Abdul Razak Aya |
BY ZAFIRAH ZAFRUDDIN
THE surge in the global population is driving an increased demand for livestock-derived products like meat , milk , and eggs , all of which come from farm and are consumed daily . With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050 , the sustainability of livestock farming is a pressing concern .
This impending surge places urgent pressure on the industry to adopt more sustainable solutions in livestock management , particularly in animal feed .
Animal feed is heavily dependent on natural resources . This dependence brings severe repercussions to the environment . For instance , overexploitation of agricultural land , deforestation , and soil depletion .
In efforts to satisfy the high consumption of animal-based products , producers suffer from shortages of high-quality feed ingredients and cost constraints .
As a result , livestock are frequently fed poor-quality or imbalanced diets , which compromises their health .
Responding to these concerns ,
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FGV Holdings Berhad ( FGV ), through its subsidiary FGV Integrated Farming Holdings Sdn Bhd ( FGVIF ), has taken a proactive lead in sustainable animal feed production through its ALMA Animal Feed product line .
Head of FGVIF , Abdul Razak Aya , explained how ALMA Animal Feed is driving innovation and helping businesses meet the evolving demands of the modern industry .
PKE IN ALMA
ALMA Animal Feed distinguishes itself through its plant-based composition . “ The primary ingredients used in ALMA are Palm Kernel Expeller ( PKE ), paddy and sugar by-products , and feed grains , such as corn and soybeans .
“ These ingredients are milled with premium feed additives or supplements to create various feed specifications ,” informed Abdul Razak .
Its key ingredient , the PKE , is a by-product of palm oil production . PKE is an excellent source of energy . Its intake is vital to support metabolic functions like growth , reproduction , and immunity .
Moreover , the energy-dense nature of PKE is ideal for livestock weight gain .
PKE also supplies essential minerals and vitamins that are critical for various physiological functions ,
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namely immune response , bone health , and metabolic processes . In addition to this , PKE offers valuable protein content .
“ High-quality protein sources provide essential amino acids needed for muscle development , tissue repair and overall growth ,” he added .
Overall , this composition ensures that livestock get the right balance of nourishment for their overall health .
For ruminants like cattle and sheep , PKE is a good source of fibre . The fibre content promotes healthy digestion by supporting the rumen ’ s function . The addition of fibre also stimulates saliva production and ensures a balanced gut microbiome .
SUSTAINABILITY
FGVIF has also noted that PKE in animal feed production offers sustainability benefits in addition to cost-effectiveness . ALMA Animal Feed ’ s usage of by-products that might otherwise go to waste is a step towards a more sustainable agricultural system .
“ Since corn and soybean meal are imported materials , utilising PKE encourages the use of by-products , supporting a more sustainable agricultural system ,” commented Abdul Razak .
Besides , by optimising resource
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