Background

Rising prices for feed worldwide require the development of new and more economic sources of energy and protein for animal diets. The entire feed supply chain is experiencing challenges because of increasing production cost, restrictions and regulations, environmental impact, animal welfare and traceability. Concepts in animal nutrition have also been changing and optimal nutrition is now considered fundamental. Besides meeting nutrient requirements, optimal nutrition implies the ability of the feed to promote health and protect against disease. The role of animal nutrition in designing functional foods for humans, and the development of the concepts of feed safety, feed quality and feed functionality is significantly important. Adaptation of livestock production systems to climate changes, reduction of the environmental impact of ruminant production via wastage reduction and nutritional efficiency improvement are the area of importance. The use of alternative and cost effective biological supplements to replace antibiotic growth promotants (AGP) to improve feed efficiency and animal productivity thus has important implications for the livestock industry.

The International Conference on Animal Nutrition is a biennial event organized by MARDI and since its inception in 2003, researchers from the scientific community, leaders in industry and livestock entrepreneurs have gathered to discuss issues of importance to animal nutrition and the feed industry. This conference is unique as it provides a forum for facilitating interaction between the commercial and research sectors of the animal nutrition community and in promoting discussion on recent advances in animal nutrition.

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