Marmum Dairy to boost annual production by 2.5 million litres by importing 300 Australian heifers

The move comes as increased commodity prices compel the Dairy Industry to offset high food costs by investing in cows with higher average milk production.

"The dairy industry has been under tremendous pressure due to high commodity prices world wide, so Marmum has invested in cows with higher average milk production to offset the high feed costs. We were able to buy the replacement heifers at competitive prices from top quality dairy farms, as Australian Dairies are selling off their stock due to the worst drought in 100 years," said Johann Wasserman, General Manager, Marmum.

"Regional competition and changing demands of the industry necessitate that we re-shape our strategic direction to focus on improving our genetic value of the herd, improving our milk volumes and creating a higher efficiency," Wasserman added.

The new importations will enable the Dairy to manage nearly the same number of cows, but with higher annual production rates projected to increase from 12.5 million Litres in 2006 to15 million Litres in 2007.

The purchase will make Marmum less dependant on future animal importations. Marmum has commenced a program to homebreed animals with a higher genetic potential that are disease free and better adapted to the climate. Heifers are bred with high quality imported semen to encourage self sufficiency and replacing its own animals in the future. The breeding program will foster 500 heifers per year from 2008 onwards; considerably adding to its current young stock herd of 950 home bred heifers.

Marmum has recently received a Quality Award from Dubai Municipality in recognition of its excellent collaboration with the Municipality, during the first honouring ceremony for Public Health Department customers 2006, held at Dubai Municipal Club.

Marmum Dairy Farm was acquired by Dubai Investments in 1996 and is the third largest dairy farm in the UAE with an annual plant production of 20 million litres and a total dairy herd totaling nearly 3,000. The dairy, located 25km from Dubai, has a diverse portfolio of milk, cream and yoghurt products which are available in more than 2,500 outlets across the UAE.