Livestock and poultry products play an important part in the economic and socio-economic well-being in each household. They contribute to the food supply, livelihood, family income, soil fertility and sustainable agricultural production. To recognize the importance of the production of livestock and poultry in the nation, by virtue of Proclamation No. 658, series of 1970, yearly the 2nd week of April is declared as Livestock and Poultry Production Week.
One major important role of livestock and poultry products is its contribution to nutrition because it is one of the main sources of protein in the body. Protein is a type of macronutrient that is made up of many building blocks called amino acids. People need protein in the body because it helps build muscle mass and repair body tissues and they make up the structural component of the cells, tissues, enzymes and hormones. It is needed in relatively large amount in the body along with Carbohydrates and Fats and is continually being repaired and replaced throughout the human’s life; this means that people need to eat dietary protein to keep with the body’s protein demands.
Protein can be obtained from both plant and animal-based foods. But among these two, animal-based proteins are of higher quality as they contain higher amount of essential amino acids. Some food sources for plant-based protein are grains, lentils, nuts, beans, legumes, soy, hemp, and some green leafy vegetables. While animal-based protein can be consumed from seafoods, dairy products, poultry products such as eggs, chicken, duck, goose and turkey and red meats from beef, pork, lamb, veal, goat and many more.
Adequate intake of protein is more important during periods of rapid growth and the demand for it is increased especially during the stage of childhood, adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy and lactation. This shows that the production of poultry and livestock plays a deeper role in the lives of people, not only because of its contribution in the economic and socio-cultural well being of the community but also because of its vital role in the nutrition and health of human lives.
NO I Angelica O. Pajulas
