UAE pioneers high-tech animal feed system

The system, based on 12 metre shipping containers capable of producing the 700 kilos of high quality animal fodder a day - or the equivalent of 20 hectares of land - is being demonstrated at AGRA Middle East, the region's leading agricultural industry exhibition which opened today at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, the UAE Minister of Environment and Water, viewed the Dynamic Fodder system developed in Australia, after officially opening the AGRAme show. Nigel Purves, the company's Managing Director, said ten of the $110,000 container units had been sold in Australia and six have now been installed in the UAE since a launch last year.

Purves added:

"Our work in the UAE has allowed us to refine the design. We believe we have something unique to offer the region's agricultural economy as our system can produce high quality animal fodder not only quickly but with only 5% of the water used in traditional methods. We are now looking to set up an assembly plant in Dubai as our springboard into the entire Middle East."

Goutam Malhotra, IIR Exhibition Manager of AGRAme which runs until 1 April 2009, said, "The modern technologies, equipment and expertise being 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."

New farming technologies and products are being outlined in a series of free seminars at AGRAme. The seminar sessions include opportunities in the Gulf for recirculation fishing farming; offshore fish farming; aqua feed of the future; optimal performance poultry feed; poultry house ventilation; mastering harsh climate farming; and saving water energy.

This year's exhibition is complemented by Vet Middle East focusing on veterinary products and services. The first of its kind in the region, VETme brings together veterinary practitioners and public health officials with manufacturers and suppliers of products and services from pharmaceuticals to food supplements as well as the latest technological advances in veterinary healthcare.

A Vet Middle East 2009 Conference features seminars and workshops on regional and international industry issues and will also highlight the region's pioneering role in animal molecular biology, genetics and stem cell therapy.