The swine industry dominates other livestock industries in the Philippines in terms of volume and value of production. In 1998, swine population was 10.4 million heads which 17% is in commercial scale and 83 % in backyard farms. One major problem, however, is the rapid increase in price of commercial feeds and feed ingredients which comprice 70 to 75 percent of the total production costs.
Golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), commonly known as golden kuhol, is a major pest of rice. However, its meat is a good source of protein for swine. Research results showed that fresh golden snail meat could replace 10 percent commercial mash for growing-finishing pigs or 37.5 and 60 percent soybean oil meal in formulated grower and finisher rations, respectively.
DESCRIPTION/DETAILS
Nutrient Composition Shown below is the proximate analysis of fresh golden snail meat (FGSM) on an air dry basis.
Required Amount of FGSM
As replacement of commercial mash
Below is the recommended mixture of FGSM and commercial mash that should be fed to the animals daily as a function of their age.
As substitute of soybean oil meal in formulated ration
Below are the composition, nutrient content and cost of formulated grower and finisher rations with FGSM.
Preparation of Fresh Golden Snail Meal
1. Collect Golden Kuhol in the field
2. Clean and wash the Golden Kuhol
3. Crush the Kuhol
4. Separate the FGSM from the shells.
5. Wash then chop the FGSM
6. Mix the FGSM with commercial mash (as replacement) or as substitute of soybean oil meal in the formulated ration following the level described above.
Animal Performance and Cost Benefits
As replacement of commercial mash
BENEFITS
1. Converts golden kuhol into a high protein feeds for animals
2. Increases the income of animal raisers in golden snail infected areas.
3. Provide source of income for children and out of school youth
4. Reduce destruction on rice fields thereby increasing the yield and income of the farmers
Name of Researcher/Author: MERGELINA S. SALAZAR, ROSEMINDA R. SAIR and ANABELLE G. ABALOS
Name and Address of Institution: MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
Batac, 2906 Ilocos Norte
Tel No.: (077) 792-3878
Telefax: (077) 792-3191, 792-3447
E-mail address: mmsuop@laoag.net
Source: neda.gov.ph
