Green Practices Guideline for Livestock Sector

POLICIES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE: In Malaysia, the livestock industry is supported by various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the sector’s performance. One such policy is the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 (DAN 2.0), which outlines five policy objectives and five policy thrusts to improve the country’s food security agenda. DAN 2.0 emphasises the importance of sustainable consumption and production, embracing modernisation and smart agriculture, and creating an inclusive business ecosystem. This policy provides a strategic framework for addressing the challenges and opportunities in the livestock sector and guiding its future development. Additionally, there are specific regulations in place to ensure the environmental and social sustainability of the livestock industry. The Environmental Quality Act 1974 and Poison Act 1952 govern the identification and management of waste products, including chemicals, to minimise their impact on the environment and human health. These acts require proper waste management practices and adherence to relevant guidelines. Furthermore, efforts are being made to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of livestock producers through mentoring programs and knowledge-sharing platforms. These initiatives facilitate collaboration between national and international experts, enabling the transfer of best practices and the adoption of green technologies in the livestock sector. CHALLENGES IN THE LIVESTOCK SECTOR: The livestock industry in Malaysia faces several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its long-term sustainability. One of the key challenges is the lack of quality breeds. Local cattle and goats are relatively small-sized, resulting in lower meat production compared to larger breeds. Enhancing breed quality through selective breeding and genetic improvement programmes is crucial to improve productivity and meet the increasing demand for animal products. Another significant challenge is the high cost of animal feed. The cost of animal feeds, particularly imported raw materials like corn, constitutes a significant portion of production expenses. Finding cost-effective alternatives for animal feed and promoting sustainable feed sourcing practices are essential to reduce production costs and enhance the industry’s competitiveness. Additionally, the availability of arable land for grazing reserves poses a constraint on the livestock sector. With competition from other industries for land use, farmers face difficulties in securing adequate land for grazing livestock. This challenge requires comprehensive land-use planning and innovative livestock production systems that optimise land utilisation and maximise productivity within limited land resources. Diseases, supply chains, environmental concerns, and policies are also significant challenges faced by the livestock industry. Managing disease outbreaks, improving supply chain efficiency, mitigating environmental impacts, and ensuring the implementation of appropriate policies are crucial for the sector’s resilience and sustainable growth. 10 GREEN PRACTICES GUIDELINE FOR LIVESTOCK SECTOR