Redeveloping mega cattle farms
Published on: Wednesday, November 29, 2023
By: Anthea Peter
Jeffrey said there are also efforts to optimise the use of animal feed ingredients and increase it.
THE State Government is aiming to redevelop mega cattle farms and expand cattle breeding in order to increase Sabah’s self-sufficiency level (SSL) for meat production, said Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
He said several plans have been drawn up through the Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) for this purpose, as the local livestock production is very low compared to other commodities.
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“DVS Sabah has collaborated with a government-linked company (GLC) in Balung, Tawau, in increasing the beef cattle population through a feedlot system.
“It is expected to increase the beef cattle population from 53,000 in 2023 to 155,000 in 2030,” he said, adding that it is expected to increase Sabah’s meat production SSL from 5.26 per cent to 25 per cent in 2030.
He said this in response to Bongawan Assemblyman Dr Daud Yusof.
He said DVS Sabah has acquired superior breeds, intensified the artificial insemination programme and provided bulls on loan for natural breeding.
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“For the year 2023, a total of 900 imported female cows, 50 imported male cows, 1,240 imported sheep and goats, 40 local hybrid Brahman cows and 40 local Katjang goats have been distributed to 37 participants consisting of two GLCs and 35 other small farmers throughout Sabah. This livestock distribution programme will continue in 2024,” he said.
Jeffrey said there are also efforts to optimise the use of animal feed ingredients and increase it.
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“Feed is the biggest cost in animal husbandry. The increased animal feed price is a very worrying issue. Therefore, DVS Sabah actively provides training in food conservation management,” he said.
He added that DVS is also finding new food sources such as Pakchong napier while ensuring the production of quality food rations and using agricultural residues as a food source. Jeffrey said DVS Sabah has also identified five areas of departmental land that have the potential to be developed as bank fodder, namely in Papar, Kota Marudu, Tenom, Keningau and Semporna.
“These locations were chosen as fodder banks because of their strategic positions that would make it easier for farmers in their respective districts to get grass supplies for livestock feed,” he said.
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