November 11, 2009
Hawaii feed mill aims to source local raw materials
A feed mill operated by the Oceanic Institute in Hawaii will research and develop animal feed using local ingredients, including seafood trimmings and byproducts of crops and plants that could support a biofuel industry.
The mill, which could produce 150kg of feed per hour, is an experimental prototype for a bigger mill planned to be built in Hilo by 2012. The bigger mill is expected to conduct large-scale feed trials on farms and commercial production.
The current feed mill is mainly focused on feeds for Hawaii's aquaculture industry, but research will be conducted to develop feeds for the chicken, dairy and cattle industries as well.
Producing feeds from locally found ingredients would help make animal farming in Hawaii more economical, sustainable and self-sufficient.
The Hilo mill could also develop feeds made with ingredients from the ocean or tropical plants that will be useful to US feed producers.
The US feed industry is donating US$1.7 million worth of equipment to establish the US$4 million Hilo mill, which is designed to produce four tonnes of feed per hour. Funding will be provided by the USDA, Hawaii and several local foundations.
The Hilo mill will be the only second mill in the US for researching and developing animal feed, and it is also the first to focus on aquaculture.