Mytella strigata, an invasive mussel species proliferating the Philippine waters, is now being tapped as an alternative protein and calcium source in poultry and aquaculture feeds.
Through the project “Pest to feed: The potential use of non-indigenous mussel Mytella strigata as wet and dry feed,” the effect of the mussel species as dry feed on the production performance of broiler and as wet feed on the growth and reproduction performance of mangrove crab was evaluated.
The findings of the project will serve as crucial inputs to the resource management plan in the utilization of non-indigenous Mytella strigata as an alternative feed.
Implemented by the Mindanao State University Naawan, the project is under the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD)-funded research program, “Development of a framework for resource management, mitigation of impacts, and guidance towards rational utilization of Mytella strigata in the Philippines.”
From Central and South America, Mytella strigata has reached the Philippine waters via ballast water and ship hulls across Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines.
Also known as Charru or black mussel, Mytella strigata spreads rapidly and forms dense populations that disrupt native biodiversity and marine ecosystems, including alteration of local food webs, biofouling in aquaculture and fishing industries, among other concerns.
Despite its invasive status, Mytella strigata is rich in protein and minerals. It contains up to 77.68% crude protein in its meat and 33.56% in unshucked form. Mussel shell meal is rich in calcium (33.43%), providing an essential nutrient for eggshell formation and bone development in poultry.
Feeding trials conducted by the project also showed that mussel meat can replace fishmeal at varying inclusion levels, from 6 percent to 15 percent, without compromising poultry growth and health performance. In mangrove crabs, improved weight gain, increased survival rates, higher gonadosomatic index values, and better reproductive readiness were recorded.
Further, a cost-benefit analysis showed that mussel meal inclusion could reduce reliance on expensive fishmeal. A 15-day fattening trial in mangrove crabs showed higher profitability compared to a 60-day trial.
Farmers can therefore reduce feeding costs by integrating M. strigata into their feed formulations, while managing the uncontrollable spread of this invasive species.
Due to its economic and ecological relevance, DOST-PCAARRD featured the Mytella project during the 2025 Regional Science and Technology Week in Caraga held at Robinsons Mall in Butuan City as well as in the DOST Negros Island Region-hosted Visayan leg edition of the 2025 Handa Pilipinas event held at SMX Bacolod City.