ALMA Animal Feed is here to transform livestock nutrition for the better
In an industry where the importance of halal compliance continues to grow, FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV), through its subsidiary FGV Integrated Farming Holdings Sdn Bhd (FGV IF), has emerged as a leader with its ALMA Animal Feed.
With increasing demand for feed produced in accordance with halal principles, FGV IF’s ALMA Animal Feed is well-positioned to cater to both local and international markets.
While Malaysia does not regulate halal certification for animal feed, ALMA ensures that its production processes adhere to halal standards by prioritising the cleanliness and sourcing of ingredients. This commitment guarantees that their feed meets the highest quality standards and aligns with the ethical and religious expectations of consumers.
ALMA ANIMAL FEED
ALMA Animal Feed primarily utilises palm kernel expeller (PKE), paddy and sugar by-products, and feed grains like corn and soybeans. These ingredients are either sourced locally or selectively imported and combined with premium feed additives to create various feed specifications.
PKE is a key ingredient in ALMA’s formulations due to its nutritional value and cost-effectiveness. It serves as an excellent energy and protein source, crucial for both ruminants and poultry.
For ruminants such as cattle and sheep, PKE’s high fibre content supports healthy digestion, aids in rumen function, stimulates saliva production, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for nutrient absorption and overall well-being. This high-fibre content also enhances disease resistance and supports efficient weight gain.
In addition to its benefits for ruminants, PKE provides a balanced diet for layer poultry contributing to their growth and productivity. The energy-dense nature of PKE ensures that poultry can achieve optimal weight gain and maintain good health for egg production.
FGV’s current yearly production of PKE amounts to 400,000 metric tonnes. Their role as a feed and animal nutrition maker is to continuously guarantee that the feed meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
In addition to plant-based ingredients, FGV IF has newly explored the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a sustainable protein source in its animal feed.
BSFL offers an excellent alternative to traditional animal feed ingredients, as it is high in protein and offers a reliable option for ruminants, poultry and aquaculture.
Additionally, BSF larvae are a by-product of waste recycling. They enhance their environmental benefits by converting organic waste into valuable feed resources, thereby promoting a more sustainable and circular agricultural system.
This innovative approach, however, features two key components;
Dried larvae: Produced by rapidly heating fresh BSF larvae, they retain a high concentration of protein and fat. This nutrient-dense feed option not only supports optimal growth and performance in livestock but also enhances feed intake due to its balanced protein and fatty acid profile. Additionally, the dried larvae are rich in essential
micronutrients, antimicrobial peptides, and lauric acid, which contribute to overall animal health and productivity.
Frass: The excrement of BSF larvae serves as a potent organic fertiliser. It is packed with crucial nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace minerals, which significantly improve soil fertility and support sustainable agricultural practices. The presence of beneficial microbes, chitin, and plant-available nutrients in frass further enhances its role in promoting soil health and crop productivity, especially in the horticulture industry.
Through the integration of BSF products, FGV IF not only addresses the need for innovative, sustainable feed ingredients but also reinforces its commitment to enhancing food security and supporting the agricultural ecosystem.
HALAL COMPLIANCE
While halal certification for animal feed is not mandatory in Malaysia, FGV IF is keen to collaborate with JAKIM and other relevant government bodies to establish certification standards.
Said FGV Integrated Farming Head Abdul Razak Aya: “We are looking forward to potentially working with JAKIM and the government to develop formal halal certification for animal feed in Malaysia or globally.”
In the absence of formal certification, FGV IF has implemented stringent internal measures to maintain halal standards. This includes regular audits, monitoring of the supply chain, and employee training on halal processes.
“Education is crucial to maintaining halal integrity. We strive to ensure that every part of our supply chain adheres to these principles.”
GLOBAL MARKET DEMAND
The global market for halal-certified products has been expanding rapidly, with Muslim consumers seeking assurances that the food they consume is compliant with Islamic dietary laws.
According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy report by Thomson Reuters, the global halal market is projected to reach USD 2.4 trillion by 2024, driven by the increasing purchasing power of Muslim consumers and a growing awareness of halal standards.
This growth is fueled by the expanding Muslim population, which exceeds 1.9 billion, and the increasing purchasing power of consumers seeking products that comply with Islamic law.
This trend is particularly pronounced in countries with large Muslim populations, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Middle East. Still, it is also gaining traction in non-Muslim-majority
countries where the Muslim population is significant.
By positioning itself as a key player in this market, FGV IF has taken a proactive stance in addressing these needs, capitalising on the growing trend for halal products in both local and international markets.
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES
Sourcing raw materials that comply with halal standards can be a challenge, particularly in animal feed production. Many animal feed ingredients, such as additives or by-products, must adhere to strict guidelines to be considered halal.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that our raw materials are free from contamination and meet the stringent requirements laid out by the halal certification body,” Razak added.
THE FEED ACT 2009
Another key aspect in ensuring compliance and quality is the Feed Act 2009.
In Malaysia, animal feed production is governed by this act, which regulates the import, manufacture, sale, and use of
animal feed and feed additives. The law’s objective is to ensure that animal feed is safe, not harmful to livestock, and free from contaminants that could affect the animals or make their products unsafe for human consumption.
FGV IF follows the guidelines set out by the Feed Act while also incorporating halal requirements into its processes.
Razak explained: “Though the Feed Act focuses primarily on safety and quality, we see halal compliance as an additional layer of assurance for our consumers.”
The intersection of these regulations ensures that FGV IF’s feed products are both safe and compliant with Islamic law.
Additionally, FGV IF has implemented stringent measures to ensure that all products continue to comply with halal standards post-certification.
This includes regular audits and close monitoring of the supply chain to prevent contamination or the introduction of non-halal elements. The company has also invested in training
programmes for employees, suppliers, and partners to educate them about halal processes.
Razak also stressed the importance of education in maintaining halal integrity.
“Our customers and partners need to understand the significance of halal compliance, and we take pride in providing them with the necessary knowledge to ensure that every part of the supply chain adheres to these principles.”
MOVING FORWARD
Looking forward, FGV IF’s strategic focus on improving feed quality and operational efficiency underscores its role in addressing the pressing challenges of food security.
The company’s commitment to ensuring that its products meet the proper regulations and safety standards places it at the forefront of the feed industry.
Razak concluded: “We believe that our dedication to contribute significantly to the stability and resilience of the food supply chain , as well as FGV’s commitment in ensuring food security for the nation will continue to set us apart in the market.” – 
@Halal
