Experts and industry figures have called for modern technology and science-based nutrition management in fish and animal feed production to meet Bangladesh's growing demand for animal protein. Cutting production costs while ensuring safe, quality protein, they said, requires replacing conventional methods with targeted nutrition management, or 'precision nutrition'.

They were speaking at a day-long seminar, 'The role of feed in meeting protein demand', held at a Dhaka hotel on Saturday, 19 September, and organised jointly by the Feed Industries Association Bangladesh (FIAB) and the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC).

Chief guest Md Delwar Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, said animal protein is central to building a healthy and capable nation, and that safe, quality protein rests on quality animal and fish feed. To keep protein within the purchasing power of ordinary people while controlling production costs, the sector must leave conventional practice behind for precision nutrition and modern technology, he said.

Special guest Md Shahjaman Khan, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, said feed accounts for roughly 70 to 75 per cent of total production cost in the poultry and livestock sector. Improving the feed conversion ratio (FCR) through scientific feed management would benefit farmers directly, he said, adding that the department is working on feed quality and on antibiotic-free animal protein.

FIAB general secretary Md Anwarul Haque said changing conditions in the world market and swings in raw material prices mean the country's feed industry has to become more technology-driven and efficient; the seminar was called to discuss formulating feed to precise nutritional targets and making proper use of improved raw materials.

USSEC speakers on soybean and modern technology included Khabibur Rahman, its Bangladesh market lead; Lukas Manomaitis, its East Asia aquaculture lead; Zhou Enhua (Joe); and Siang Pin Lan Shan. Ehtesham B. Shahjahan, managing director of Quality Feeds Limited, chaired the seminar.

In the technical session, Md Shafiqur Rahman Shishir, associate professor and head of animal nutrition at Bangladesh Agricultural University; Aung Thoen A of Agro Solution, an aquatic nutrition consultant; and Md Zahidul Islam, chief executive of Bangla-UK Agro Products Limited, presented papers on modern poultry and fish feed formulation, cost-cutting strategies and sustainable nutrition management. Mohammad Nazrul Islam, associate vice president of ACI Godrej Agrovet Private Limited, gave the closing address.

Speakers agreed that safe and affordable animal protein depends on feed quality, correct nutrition management and wider use of modern technology — and on getting that technology and knowledge down to the farm. The report is from Samakal.

Source: Samakal