Copra meal is commonly used as an animal feed ingredient as a source of protein. However, it is also known for poor digestibility, poor protein quality, and vulnerability to aflatoxin contamination. As such, the imported soybean meal is more preferred but incurs higher costs for livestock raisers.
The Protein-Enriched Copra Meal (PECM) is the product of the bioprocessing of copra meal through solid-state fermentation to improve its nutritive value. It is potentially high in valuable protein feed ingredient with crude protein (CP) of 36%-40%. It can be used to produce economical feed ration because it has better nutrient profile and digestibility.
By partially or fully replacing soybean meal with PECM, livestock raisers can reduce expenses on mixed animal feeds without sacrificing the animal nutrition of their livestock.
DR. LAURA J. PHAM
National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH-UPLB)
For inquiries, please contact DOST-PCAARRD:
(049) 554-9670 or 536-1574
pcaarrd@pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph
