TO address the ongoing price increase of commercial feeds on the market, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking at the potential of seaweed as an alternative but cost-effective feed for livestock and animals.In order to relieve the local animal raisers from the high costs of commercial feeds, DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano raised the possibility of finding a substitute.DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano. Photo from DA 'We are looking at the conversion of seaweeds as feeds for our livestock,' Savellano said on Thursday.He noted that seaweed contains antioxidants that can increase the animals' longevity and may lower the risk of infections. It is also a good source of protein, dietary fiber and micronutrients.'There are three main reasons to use seaweed in poultry feed: improve animal immune status, decrease microbial load in the digestive tract and raise beneficial nutrient content on the meat and egg,' said Savellano, adding seaweed is abundant and relatively cheaper.Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that seaweed accounted for the biggest share of the total production of the country's fishery sector in the second quarter of the current year.Seaweed production in April to June 2023 reached 365,775 metric tons, which makes up 33.8 percent of the fishery sector's production.The Agriculture department is also seeking the help of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization for the exploration and production of seaweed.
