500kg cattle possible with Mardi’s latest livestock feed

CHUKAI – The Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has successfully formulated livestock feeds that promote faster growth in cattle, enabling them to reach weights of up to 500kg, yielding better profits for breeders.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Industries Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah said this is among the impacts of Mardi’s research on livestock feed formulations for the Kedah Kelantan Elite (KK Elite) breed, which the institute has been working on for the past 12 years.

He said the formulation, which encompasses feeds at the flushing, reproduction, lactation and growth stages, will also ensure farm livestock have an adequate amount of dry food with the required carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals and vitamins.

“All the products produced have their own advantages and functions. They are formulated to balance the nutritional needs of KK Elite cows for all stages of production at an optimum cost.

“Mardi will continue to implement research to produce new technologies from time to time, and take a proactive approach to solve problems in the field for the benefit of livestock farmers.”

On the government’s target in ensuring the research could benefit such farmers, Ahmad said Mardi is looking to attract industry players within the next six months.

He also encouraged individuals and companies involved in livestock feed trading to come forward to establish cooperation and help market the products.

Checks at the institute’s research area show promising signs of the formulation as 3 to 4-year-old male cattle weigh about 460kg, while cows the same age weigh only about 250kg.

Mardi research officer Marini Ahmad Marzuki said among the materials used in the formula are oil palm kernels, bean residue, rice husks and corn kernels – all carbohydrate sources for energy.

“The feeds are formulated using at least 60% local raw materials, and the levels of energy and protein are set depending on the stage of livestock production.”

Mardi senior research officer Mohd Rusly Shaari said during the 12-year research period, the team also succeeded in developing the KK Elite breed through selective breeding.

He said by combining the KK Elite breed and formulation, the daily weight increase of a cow in the feedlot system has been successfully boosted from 350g to 800g. – Bernama, March 8, 2021