Local Feed Innovations Can Boost Nigeria’s Poultry Industry, Experts Say
Researchers Advocate Greater Use of Local Feed Resources
NIGERIA’S poultry industry may significantly reduce production costs and improve long-term sustainability if farmers embrace locally available alternative feed ingredients backed by scientific research, poultry experts have said.
The experts made the recommendation in separate interviews in Lagos while reacting to reports highlighting the use of coconut waste as poultry feed in some countries, noting that although the practice has yet to gain widespread acceptance in Nigeria, it underscores the need to explore innovative feed options using locally available resources.
Coconut Waste Shows Promise but Requires Scientific Validation
Veterinarian and poultry expert, Dr. James Wageti, said there was no scientific basis to dismiss coconut waste as a potential feed ingredient, provided adequate research confirms its nutritional value and safety.
According to him, science continues to evolve, and several agricultural by-products previously regarded as waste have become valuable livestock feed ingredients after extensive research.
He noted that since coconut possesses considerable nutritional value for humans, it is possible that properly processed coconut waste could also provide nutritional benefits for poultry.
However, he stressed that comprehensive scientific studies are necessary before recommending its widespread adoption by farmers.
Nigeria Has Untapped Local Feed Resources
Dr. Wageti observed that Nigeria possesses numerous underutilised feed resources capable of lowering dependence on expensive conventional ingredients.
Among the alternatives he identified were maggot meal, cassava meal, moringa leaves, ginger, garlic and processed feather meal.
He explained that some poultry farmers already produce maggots from treated poultry litter to partially replace soybean meal because of their rich protein and amino acid content.
According to him, maggot meal also possesses antibacterial properties that promote better gut health in birds, although it should constitute only about 10 to 15 per cent of feed formulations because excessive animal protein can affect poultry digestion.
He further described cassava meal as a viable substitute for maize in providing energy, while properly processed feather meal has already gained acceptance as an alternative protein source in many developed countries.
Experts Call for More Research and Farmer Education
Dr. Wageti emphasised that Nigeria’s challenge lies not in the absence of alternative feed materials but in limited research, extension services and farmer education.
He urged research institutions, universities and agricultural agencies to intensify studies on locally available feed ingredients while providing practical training that would enable poultry farmers to formulate cost-effective rations without compromising bird performance.
Farmers Seek Affordable Feed Solutions
Also speaking, poultry farmer Emmanuel Iregbeyen called for greater investment in agricultural research to identify more affordable feed alternatives capable of reducing production costs.
He noted that reports of coconut waste being utilised as poultry feed in Indonesia were relatively new to many Nigerian farmers.
According to him, local producers have already begun exploring ingredients such as “douza,” a by-product from pap production, alongside cassava flour as supplementary feed components.
Although feed prices have moderated somewhat in recent months, he maintained that sustained innovation remains necessary to reduce dependence on conventional feed ingredients such as maize, which account for a substantial proportion of poultry production costs.
Innovation Critical to Poultry Sector Growth
Industry experts believe expanding research into alternative feed resources will improve productivity, reduce production costs and strengthen Nigeria’s poultry industry against fluctuations in grain prices.
They stressed that combining scientific innovation with locally available agricultural resources could enhance food security, improve farmers’ profitability and support the long-term sustainability of poultry production across the country.
