SON develops new standards for livestock feeds to boost agribusiness

*Initiative to assist feed producers in compounding balanced protein ration, guide fish farmers in selection of appropriate feed ingredients ─Osita Aboloma, SON DG

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In order to counter the adverse effects of disruptive COVID-19 pandemic on key sectors, including agriculture, towards boosting agricultural productions, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has evolved fresh standards for animal and livestock feeds value chain to support Federal Government’s efforts in achieving food security in the country.

Mr. Osita Aboloma, Director-General of SON, disclosed this in a statement from a Work Group meeting Saturday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports the SON hosted the meeting as part of an ongoing Livestock Micro Reforms in Agribusiness (L-MIRA) World Bank project on Cattle Feed Value Chain.

The standards are for Salt Mineral Lick, Blood Meal as ingredients for fish production, wheat Bran, forage and small ruminant feed for sheeps and goats.

Represented on the occasion by Dr. Omolara Okunlola, Deputy Director/ Head Food Group at SON, Aboloma said developing the standards would help in improving agribusiness in Nigeria.

According to him, the new standards will help to counter the adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic on key sectors such as agriculture.

The SON chief stated that the new standards, achieved through a consensus of relevant parties including the academia, focused on demands and relevance to animal and livestock feeds value chain to boost agribusiness in the country.

He said: “The elaboration of the Standards for Salt Mineral Lick which prescribed the specification for common salt as mineral licks for animal consumption.

“It will ensure proper proportioning of minerals in animal and poultry feeds for effective productivity of animal husbandry.

“Other requirements specified was that of Blood Meal as an ingredient in fish neal production to ensure adequacy in meeting the protein requirements in fish farming. “The elaboration of the Standard for Small Ruminant Feed was also established.”

The initiative, he added, would assist feed manufacturers in compounding balance, protein ration and also guide fish farmers in the selection of appropriate feed and feed ingredients.

It will also guide feed manufacturers in compounding balanced ratios for small ruminant such as goats and sheep feeds, besides enhancing meat and dairy from small ruminant production thereby contributing to the country’s gross domestic product in agribusiness.

Aboloma said: “The elaboration of Standard for Small Ruminant Feed Premix was found necessary because small ruminants (sheep and goats) are increasingly becoming major sources of animal protein.”

When approved, the standards would enhance the production small ruminant and preservation of forages.

“Forages are the most important feed resource for ruminants worldwide, which needed to be properly processed and stored in line with best practices.

“We know most crops are seasonal and needs to be cut, dried and conserved as pasture, since there is large variability in the quality of forages.

“Therefore, measurement and production of feeding value and nutritive value are essential for high levels of production,” he said.