A locally developed feed ingredient, Protein Enriched Copra Meal (PECM®), is helping to create sustainable and affordable aquaculture production in the Philippines. This innovation is being explored through a two-year project titled PECM® in Aquaculture Diets for Gut Health Modulation, funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). The project is being implemented by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

Developed as an alternative to expensive imported soybean meal, PECM® is made from copra meal, a byproduct of coconut oil production. Researchers have found that the feed not only supports fish growth but also promotes gut health by positively influencing gut microbiota. A balanced gut microbiome is associated with improved digestion, stronger disease resistance, and enhanced immune function in aquatic animals.

To better understand these effects, scientists used advanced tools like metagenomics and metabolomics. These “omics” technologies have become increasingly important in aquaculture research, helping scientists examine how environmental factors, such as diet, impact fish health, nutrition, and overall well-being.

These tools offer a more detailed understanding of how feeds like PECM® affect fish at the molecular level, insights that traditional indicators such as growth rate and feed conversion alone may overlook. By analyzing how nutrients and bioactive compounds in PECM® interact with fish metabolism and gut bacteria, researchers can fine-tune diets to support long-term health and optimal performance.

“With these advancements, PECM® is expected to boost local aquaculture productivity, ensure a more stable supply of animal feed protein, and help lower the cost of fish for Filipino consumers,” researchers said. “By transforming coconut byproducts into a high-value feed ingredient, PECM® offers a strategic solution that could increase farmers’ incomes while supporting more resilient and self-sufficient food systems.”