Space age animal feed system to get world launch

AGRA Middle East (AGRAme) will be the launch pad for the Almighty Fodder Super Cell - developed in Australia - which can produce low cost, lush and nutritious fresh fodder for over 100 cattle or other grazing animals such as camels every day after only nine days.

AGRAme, that takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 8-10 April 2008, is four closely linked exhibitions under one roof showcasing the latest advances in agriculture and irrigation; animal husbandry and poultry farming; floriculture and horticulture; plus fisheries and aquaculture. This year's event will feature over 150 exhibitors from more than 30 different countries, a 60% year-on-year increase.

'Not only will you be able to see this revolutionary new technology, you will also be able to taste the quality of beef that is grown on the fodder,' said Jim Meltz, Show Manager for AGRAme. The company's stand will feature one of Australia's renowned chefs, Michael Junghans, who will be cooking some of the beef from Australian Organic Meats which is grown on the fodder.

The system which fits in a 12 metre shipping container is operated by loading 1.5 kilos of barley seed to each of 600 trays. Water tanks are filled and nutrient added. The process continues for eight days until all trays are loaded and growing.

At nine days, the farmer can remove 800 kilos of high protein feed for his animals from the tray rotation, enough for 110 head of cattle with all the nutrition they require, at a considerably lower cost than traditional animal feed methods.

The system similar to that used on space stations and proposed for future manned colonies on the Moon and Mars to produce food. Even condensation from air conditioning units is returned to the system for further use.

This process of germinating grain for fodder production has potential to drought proof a farming operation or provides a continuous supply any season of the year. 'The market potential for this technology in a region such as the Middle East where the growing of pasture is almost impossible is potentially enormous,' Meltz added.

'Modern technologies, equipment and expertise which will be showcased at AGRAme are crucial in helping the region develop its agriculture sector and overcome climate, limited water resources and poor soil conditions to build indigenous production.'

The Middle East is witnessing significant agricultural development but the Gulf Co-operation Council countries must still rely on the rest of the world for 90% of their food and feed requirements. Annual food imports to the UAE alone amount to $3.5-4bn.

Platinum sponsors of AGRAme are Cairo Three A, a group of integrated companies in the supply of agricultural commodities across the Middle East North Africa including trading and charging/discharging services, storage facilities, transportation and distribution.