…..Don advocates Single-Cell Proteins for sustainable feed production in Nigeria
A Professor of Animal Science at the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), Prof. Maikano Ari has advocated for the adoption and use of Single Cell-Proteins (SCP) for sustainable and efficient feed production in Nigeria.
Ari made the advocacy in Keffi Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday while presenting the University’s 38th Inaugural lecture.
The topic of the 38th Inaugural Lecture is “Single-Cell Proteins: Unlocking opportunities to address monogastric feed supply challenges.”
Ari who is also the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies in NSUK, said Single-Cell Proteins were innovative solution with immense potentials that would help solve the challenges of monogastric feed supply affecting the agricultural sector in Nigeria.
He described SCP as a sustainable protein source, derived from microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, fungi, and algae and could be used as a food source.
“They are a sustainable and efficient protein sources that can be produced, using minimal resources,” he said
He explained that SCP could be produced through controlled cultivation processes in bioreactors or fermentation tanks where the microorganisms multiplied and produced biomass rich in proteins, carbohydrates and other nutrients.
Ari said due to the characteristics of SCP, it could serve as a nutritious and sustainable feed source for livestock.
It could replace traditional protein sources like soybean meal or fishmeal, thereby also reducing the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
He pointed out that without the innovative SCP, implications of feed scarcity on the agricultural sector included reduced livestock production, increased production costs, decline in income and livelihoods, food insecurity and increased reliance on imports.
“Harnessing the opportunities of SCP in full measure by building a holistic approach to maximally utilise SCP provides a unique fulcrum for utilising and improving both conventional and alternative feed resources,” he said.
He added that SCP production contributed to a more tailored economy as it could utilise waste materials or non-food resources.
He said it could be tailored to meet specific nutritional requirements for different animals, thereby improving their health and productivity.
“SCP has potential applications in producing biofuels and bioplastics, further contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
“SCP also offers a promising solution to the challenges of sustainable food production and environmental sustainability.
“Its versatility and sustainability make it a valuable resource for meeting the increasing demand for protein in a more environmentally friendly and efficient way,” he added.
Prof. Suleiman Bala-Mohammed, Vice Chancellor, NSUK, lauded the lecturer for the topic.
He said the topic was very central to the question of food security in Nigeria, hence the importance of the lecturer in issuing policing suggestions for national development.
“I am convinced that we will have very good intellectual discourse and leave here with a lot of information on this matter.
“I am also sure there will be policy suggestions that help in food security in Nigeria,” he said.
