LIVESTOCK FEED PRODUCERS TO USE LOCAL RAW MATERIAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- Local producers of livestock feed are
encouraged to use raw material readily available in the country, such as palm
kernel cake, rice bran and copra cake in order to lower prices.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Noh Omar said this would allow
consumers to enjoy cheaper meat and eggs.
"The livestock industry in Malaysia is very much dependent on imported
livestock feed, contributing to the national food bill which amounts to about
RM17 billion (US$4.99 billion)," he said at the launching of the Livestock Asia
2009 exposition, here, Tuesday.

Noh's speech text was read out by his deputy, Johari Baharum.

Noh said the livestock industry was one of the fastest growing in the
country, with poultry production increasing from 0.69 million tonnes in 1999 to
1.16 million tonnes in 2008.

"This shows that traditional livestock farming can be developed into a
modern industry," he said.

He added that the development of the mutton, beef cattle and dairy sectors
was being focused on, with various programmes carried out for this purpose.

"With quality livestock breed, we can guarantee the production of quality
calves and lambs," he said.

The three-day biennial exhibition organised by the Veterinary Services
Department is a one-stop venue showcase for players in the food, livestock
breeding and meat processing industries.

It has attracted over 6,000 delegates from various industry sectors and
features 265 display booths of 42 countries.
-- BERNAMA