@ green | September-October . 2024

Reliance on locally sourced ingredients supports the local economy and aligns with environment-friendly practices .

BY SHEILA ROZARIO

Through a strategic focus on minimising imports and utilising local agricultural resources , ALMA Animal Feed represents a critical step forward in promoting sustainable farming practices in Malaysia .

ALMA Animal Feed ’ s formulation is a direct reflection of FGV ’ s commitment to its core values , particularly in minimising imports and promoting local agriculture .

Head of FGV Integrated Farming ( FGV IF ) Abdul Razak Aya emphasised the importance of these values , stating : “ As a reliable feed producer , FGV emphasised several core values to ensure the quality , safety , and sustainability of its product , ALMA .

“ We prioritise the safety of both the animals consuming the feed and the humans who may come into contact with it , involving rigorous testing for contaminants , toxins , and pathogens .”

The reliance on locally sourced ingredients not only supports the local economy but also aligns with environmentally friendly practices . Most of the ALMA product line is produced using local ingredients and agricultural by-products , thereby reducing the dependency on imported feed .

This strategy additionally contributes to reducing the carbon footprint linked to the transportation of feed ingredients over long distances , further solidifying FGV ’ s dedication to sustainable practices .

WASTE TO WEALTH INITIATIVE

A standout feature of ALMA Animal Feed is its nutritional profile , particularly its use of Palm Kernel Expeller ( PKE ) as a critical ingredient . PKE , a by-product of palm oil production , is rich in protein and fibre , making it an ideal feed component for livestock .

The integration of PKE into ALMA ’ s formulations is a prime example of FGV ’ s “ waste to wealth ” initiative , which seeks to transform agricultural byproducts into valuable resources .

“ Historically , PKE was often viewed as waste or low-value material . The utilisation of PKE as feed ingredients currently represents a significant transformation of agricultural by-products into a valuable resource in animal nutrition .

“ PKE is a prime example of the waste-to-wealth concept in action , in line with the FGV initiative ,

Abdul Razak Aya

which transforms low-value materials into a product that provides benefits to livestock producers and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices .”

ALMA ’ s formulations provide a well-balanced diet for livestock , ensuring that animals receive the necessary nutrients for growth , reproduction , and overall health . The inclusion of essential vitamins and minerals in the feed supports immune function , bone development , a n d metabolic processes , further contributing to the animals ’ well-being .

DIVERSE LIVESTOCK NEEDS

ALMA Animal Feed is designed to cater to the specific nutritional needs of various livestock , utilising locally sourced ingredients to reduce reliance on imports . In addition to PKE , the product line incorporates other local by-products , such as molasses , rice bran , and broken rice .

These ingredients not only provide a rich source of energy and protein but also contribute to the overall sustainabil-

ALMA ’ s product range for livestock .