Feed for Animals and Animal Products for Human Sustainability:- Adegbenro Henry A

ABSTRACT

Feed is the bedrock of animal production. It accounts for 60-80% ofthe total cost of production, particularly in monogastric animal production (Ogunfowora, 1984). This has been attributed to competition among man, animals and industry, with the animals at a disadvantage for conventional feedstuffs such as maize, soybean etc. (Akinmutimi and Ezea, 2006). The resultant effect ofthis is shortage of animal production and animal products, leading to high price ofthe available animals and animal pioducts thereby causing a decline in animal protein intake among Nigerians. FAO (2010) estimated that daily animal protein intake should be about 35g per day, whereas the actual intake was estimated to be about 8g per person per day. The low intake of animal protein results in poor growth and development (mental and physical), poor labour force, diseases etc. (Ojewola, 1988;Akinmutimi, 2004). The efforts ofAnimal Nutritionists is now geared towardsthe production of animal protein at reduced costs through the use of alternative feed stuffs, with the aim of increasing animal protein intake among Nigerians