Project Overview
Commodities
- Animals: swine
Practices
- Animal Production: feed/forage
Proposal abstract:
Problem Statement and Research Question
Livestock producers in American Samoa and Hawai'i face persistent, systemic hurdles undermining operational sustainability and resilience. Both regions contend with the burden of expensive, imported animal feed-often supplied in limited quantities and subject to unstable supply chains-which leaves farmers economically vulnerable and restricts local food security. In American Samoa, the Department of Agriculture offers imported feed, primarily made with Starkist tuna byproduct and shipped from Fiji, but demand regularly outstrips supply, impacting animal health, productivity, and farm profitability. Hawaiian growers share these challenges but are further advanced in sustainable piggery management, particularly via adoption of Inoculated Deep Litter Systems (IDLS). This study will develop locally sourced pig feed options that lower input costs, utilize regional byproducts, and strengthen supply resilience in Hawai'i and American Samoa.
Primary research questions include:
- What local byproducts can be used to formulate nutritionally complete, economically viable pig feeds?
- What are the most economically viable techniques for producing local feeds in American Samoa and Hawaii?
- What infrastructure or system is needed to implement effective local feed programs?
By identifying viable feed recipes from local materials, the project directly supports the Western SARE definition of sustainable agriculture-a system that enhances food production, utilizes locally available resources, sustains farm viability, and strengthens community well-being.
Research Methods and Economic Impact
This study will replicate and expand upon Hawai'i methodologies to assess the nutritive composition of American Samoa's byproducts (Stevens, DuPonte, & Jha, 2019). Feed formulations using combinations of fish meal, crop residues, and nutrient supplements will be created and analyzed for pigs' nutritional requirements. Feeding trials will measure growth rates, feed efficiency, and health outcomes on commercial vs. local feed.
Economic analyses will compare the costs of producing local feed to importing commercial feed, including ingredient availability, processing costs, and scalability. The goal is to generate replicable feed formulas or cooperative models that are nutritionally balanced, affordable, and sustainable.
Outreach and Education
Pre-existing research and results from the feed trials will inform educational activities. Over three years, at least 60 swine producers (30 in Hawai'i and 30 in American Samoa) will learn to balance rations using local ingredients. Feed study findings will inform producer guides, demonstrations, and a business planning toolkit supporting local feed production across at least four Pacific Island jurisdictions. The project will also train 20 agricultural professionals to apply and teach feed formulation and economic analysis methods, and reach 100 additional stakeholders through field days, digital content, and community outreach to strengthen regional food system resilience.
Project Outcomes
This project advances the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainable agriculture by integrating applied research, producer collaboration, and tailored education. Expected outcomes include:
- Verified feed formulations using local byproducts with documented nutrient profiles.
- Increased producer and professional knowledge of local feed production.
- Improved pig health, reduced waste, and greater producer profitability.
- Development of locally adapted training programs and outreach materials.
- Peer-reviewed publication and data dissemination to agricultural stakeholders across the Western region.
- Local feed business plans for Pacific islands
Project objectives from proposal:
Research Objective 1 (Months 12-18):
Evaluate growth performance and feed efficiency of weaned pigs fed
locally formulated byproduct‑based diets compared to commercial
feed in American Samoa and Hawaii over a 4-6 month feeding
period.
Research Objective 2 (Months 1-24): Quantify the economic performance of locally formulated byproduct‑based diets versus commercial feed and identify the most cost‑effective ration for small‑ and medium‑scale producers in American Samoa and Hawaii.
Research Objective 3 (Months 4-32):
Determine the technical and logistical feasibility of sourcing and
processing local feed ingredients at scale and develop a
preliminary business plan for a community‑based feed processing
station by the end of year three.
Research Objective 4 (Months 3-36):
Document producer adoption constraints and practical management
considerations for integrating locally formulated feeds into
existing housing systems in American Samoa and Hawaii, and develop
farmer‑friendly recommendations by project end.
Educational Objective 1 (Years 1-3): By month 36, at least 60 swine producers (30 in Hawaiʻi, 30 in American Samoa) will be able to describe basic swine nutritional requirements and balance a simple grower ration using at least two locally available feed ingredients.
Educational Objective 2 (Years 2-3): By the end of year 3, develop and disseminate a practical business planning toolkit that can be used by producer groups and entrepreneurs in at least four Pacific Island jurisdictions (including Hawaiʻi and American Samoa).
Educational Objective 3 (Years 1-3): By month 36, train at least 20 agricultural professionals (extension agents, college instructors, Department of Agriculture staff) across Hawaiʻi and American Samoa in the project's locally based feed formulation, processing, and economic analysis methods.
Educational Objective 4 (Years 2-3): By the end of the project, reach at least 100 additional stakeholders (students, community members, and regional partners) with project findings and practical messages about local feed production and food system resilience.