Replacing Feed Imports With Local Feed Resources in the Western Pacific

Project Overview

SW09-304
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2009: $47,207.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2010
Region: Western
State: Guam
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Manuel Duguies
Email
Cooperative Extension Service

Commodities

  • Animals: swine

Practices

  • Animal Production: feed/forage, feed rations
  • Education and Training: extension, farmer to farmer, networking
  • Production Systems: holistic management

    Abstract:

    One of the challenges in the use of local non-traditional feedstuffs for livestock in the region is the variable and generally poor results in terms of swine growth and performance. There is lack of information on the nutrient values of the most commonly used non-traditional feed materials. Twenty-one local feed materials from Guam and Pohnpei were sent to a feed laboratory for nutrient analysis. Base on the analysis, ranchers and extension agents can formulate feed rations that are best and appropriate for the kind of livestock they raise. The nutrients from these local feeds do satisfy the feed requirements for the quality of swine and other livestock raised in the region. Feeding trials also demonstrated that local feed materials when properly processed and formulated resulted to good performance at least cost of feeds. Workshops were conducted and publication handbooks were distributed in the region.

    Project objectives:

    a. Organize farmer-to-farmer networking group, similar to the Green Hills farm project in Missouri. This group will conduct surveys among producers in his or her locality on the most common and current local feeds being used and how these producers process these local feeds prior to feeding. This survey will include observations on growth, behavior and health of livestock. The group will have 5-10 producers.
    b. Collect samples of these local feed formulations and local feeds of interest and send to laboratory for analysis.
    c. Conduct feeding trials on growing hogs (60-120 lbs.) on their farm. A comparative study of feeding what is considered ‘wrong” local feedstuffs to what will be considered “ideal” formulation of local feedstuffs.
    d. Maintain feeding trials and keep all records and data for analysis. Open their farms for visits from the community.
    e. Participate (preparation, organizing and evaluation of local and regional workshops.
    f. Assist in translating publications to local dialect and language.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.