Overview

Original Research

NATURAL FEED SOLUTIONS: FERMENTED GOLDEN APPLE SNAIL FOR PHILIPPINE NATIVE PIGS

ROBINEL M. OCAMPO 1, Dr. IRENE M. ADION 2, and Dr. EMILY A. SORIANO 3.

Vol 19, No 06 ( 2024 )   |  DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.11654275   |   Author Affiliation: M.Sc, Agricultural Center Chief III, Research Outreach Station for Hillyland Development, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, 1; PhD, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Office of the Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulatory, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, 2; PhD, Chief, Research Division, Research Division Office, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, 3.   |   Licensing: CC 4.0   |   Pg no: 334-348   |   Published on: 13-06-2024

Abstract

This study investigated the utilization of Fermented Golden Apple Snail (FGAS) as a natural feed supplement for Philippine native pigs. The research aimed to determine the nutritive value of snail-derived amino acids, evaluate the impact of FGAS supplementation on pig production performance, and analyze its economic feasibility. FGAS was prepared through a fermentation process using indigenous microorganisms (IMO), and its proximate analysis revealed significant changes in nutrient composition compared to fresh golden apple snails. A feeding trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments: a control group receiving only formulated ration, and two groups supplemented with 20 ml and 40 ml of FGAS per liter, respectively. Results indicated that pigs supplemented with FGAS exhibited higher weight gains and improved feed conversion ratios compared to the control group. Economic analysis revealed that despite higher initial expenses, pigs supplemented with FGAS, especially at a rate of 40 ml per liter, yielded higher gross sales and net profits per head, with lower feed costs per kilogram of weight gain. The study concluded that FGAS supplementation positively influenced growth performance, health, and economic feasibility in native pig farming operations. Recommendations included the utilization of FGAS as a sustainable feed supplement, optimization of supplementation levels, promotion of indigenous microorganisms in fermentation processes, and continued monitoring and evaluation of production practices. Overall, the findings suggest that FGAS holds promise as a valuable natural feed solution for enhancing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of native pig farming in the Philippines.

Keywords

Fermented Golden Apple Snail (FGAS), Natural Feed Supplement, Philippine Native Pigs, Nutritive Value, Production Performance, Economic Feasibility, Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO), Weight Gain, Feed Conversion Ratio, Sustainable Pig Farming.