@MoALD Rethinking alternative livestock feed in Kenya ? Don't bank on the Hasora Govt. They have no clue nor are they bothered ! @Dr. Peter Kimeli @COUNCIL CHAIRMAN KVA(VETS) -DR KAHARIRI @Lisanza Miheso @Mtalaki Mwashimba @Dr. Paul Kang'ethe 🇰🇪 @Go Green @Thumbi Appita Mukami @Owen Life at Farm @Demi Farms @ISAAA_AfriCenter @KIRDI Kenya @Nasike Akello Claire

How can Kenyan farmers produce more & more protein-rich, nutritious foods without putting additional strain on an increasingly fragile food system? What role does the diet of their livestock play in protecting Kenya for generations to come ? @parassis otieno @Mtalaki Mwashimba @Lisanza Miheso

These questions, our Diminished Brain Use-DBU malaise notwithstanding should be driving farmers to take a closer look at the relationship between the environment, the ingredients in their feed & the very future of food security, a song Hasora Govt, is singing but doing near zero.

This rising demand challenges farmers to produce more calories per person per day, all while arable land is expectedly decreasing,as it is converted into real estate. How can farmers produce as per demands without putting additional strain on an increasingly fragile food system?

Isn't it time therefore to start looking at feed alternatives to help farmers counter the already intricate challenges, worsened by droughts, floods when they do pay a visit & a cut throat greed driven livestock feed production cartel, that cares only about their pockets ?

From insect farms to single-cell proteins,the future of feed additives is evolving fast & with alternative protein feed market set to globally surpass $4 billion by 2026,demand for sustainable animal nutrition will be stronger than ever.But are we reading the writing on the wall?

Again our Diminished Brain Use-DBU malaise notwithstanding. Why are we not looking at the unique & sometimes surprising ingredients that are locally in abundance & can allow farmers to increase their output & performance while protecting the environment around us. @ABU MARIAM™

1. Insects In addition to the fact that insects such as black worms can contain up to 82% protein & have diverse amino acids, they are among the most efficient sources of proteins in terms of output per area of land.

The health benefits of insects in animal diets go beyond protein, also showing promise with respect to fatty acid content & antimicrobial peptides.

Turning to insects for animal feed also makes sense biologically because eating insects comes naturally to many species. With high nutritional content & greater feed conversion efficiency,

Incorporating edible insects as alternative protein sources is an environmentally friendly choice for the future of sustainable animal nutrition. But perhaps the greatest benefit of looking to insects as food is their low carbon footprint.

2. Earthworm The red earthworm is wriggling its way into the aquaculture feed industry thanks to its quality protein levels, essential amino acids and lipids that are similar to those found in fish-meal.

Studies have also shown that red earthworms may promote fish growth performance, increase reproduction, enhance feed digestibility, reduce stress and improve survival, among other key benefits.

While more research is needed to bring commercial production of red earthworm meal to fruition, the potential to efficiently and sustainably replace a number of conventional animal and plant protein sources — while supporting fish growth — is exciting.

3. Seaweed & microalgae Could seaweed be the secret ingredient to fighting climate change? Asparagopsis taxiformis& Asparagopsis armata, 2 species of a crimson submarine grass,are washing up on shorelines around the Coastal Kenya have the power to neutralize methane emissions.

Studies have shown that adding even a small amount of this seaweed to a cow’s daily feed can reduce the amount of methane produced by 98%. With some 1.5 billion cows on the planet, the potential of seaweed to reduce methane emissions from cattle and dairy cows alone is enormous.

FAO notes that seaweed as a source of bioactive compounds for promoting animal health and production, and for decreasing enteric methane, can also be used to enhance the sustainability of livestock production systems.

Research is also underway to determine the potential of microalgae as an alternative feed ingredient for poultry that can improve the health of broilers and reduce climate impacts.

4. Pea protein When it comes to providing high amounts of protein, peas are popping up as an increasingly viable alternative to soy meal with the global pea starch market expected to reach $544.7 million by 2026. @Thumbi Appita Mukami @Mtalaki Mwashimba @Go Green @Cecilia Nakhungu Mbati -Magenyi @Wambua

Studies have suggested the inclusion of peas or pea proteins as a functional ingredient in baby pig feed may be associated with superior villi development and vitality.

This may result in not only improved intestinal health, but also overall increases in nutrient uptake that can lead to reduced sickness and mortality rates, as well as rapid weight gain in baby pigs. @Thumbi Appita Mukami

5. Single-cell protein Single-cell protein (SCP) or microbial proteins are edible unicellular microorganisms such as yeast, bacteria, fungi and algae that grow on different carbon sources.

While SCPs are nothing new, advancements in technology and research are unlocking new potential for novel proteins to revolutionize the animal feed industry, especially in aquaculture.

According to the Global Aquaculture Alliance, SCP-based protein meals offer a sustainable, renewable feed ingredient that makes up for the deficiencies of plant-based meals and reduce the need for fish meal in aquafeed

The power of sustainable animal protein alternatives As consumption of meat and animal products continues to rise, one thing is clear: farmers and producers must develop cost-effective feed management strategies that are healthier for their animals and the environment.

This means turning to safe, sustainable proteins as a critical step toward reimagining our National food system. It won’t be overnight, but even the smallest changes can add up. That is if we are ready to go the whole 9 yards. Empty Hasora rhetoric just won't cut it. @Mtalaki Mwashimba

From what we feed our animals to the way feed ingredients are sourced, the power to feed a growing Kenya population, while utilizing fewer natural resources, is in our hands. Mzuka Linduli get to work! @Mtalaki Mwashimba @Lisanza Miheso @Bintikombo @Maasai warrior 🇹🇿🇰🇪🇬🇧🇳🇬🇺🇬🇺🇦 @TheRealMvitaOne @Thread Reader App unroll