A new modern Feed Analysis Laboratory opens in Central Aran

An opening ceremony of the first modern Feed Analysis Laboratory took place today in Agjabadi town of Azerbaijan. The primary goal of the feed analysis laboratory is to increase milk production, daily weight gain for beef and poultry, as well as egg production in farms in the central region of the country in conformity with the world’s best practices.
 
Proper organization of feeding and quality of feed used in cattle-breeding is one of the factors directly affecting productivity. However, since most farmers have different educational backgrounds, they are not familiar with modern feed practices. Animal feeding is based on old traditions. At the same time, lack of a feed analysis laboratory is an obstacle for farmers in increasing quality of the feed they use and in preparing a proper feed ration. Taking into consideration these and other challenges, Agro Information Center (AIM) decided to establish a feed analysis laboratory in the central region of Azerbaijan.

For this purpose, AIM applied to the Private Sector Competitiveness Enhancement project (PSCEP) implemented in Azerbaijan and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). As the request complied with the PSCEP's objectives and requirements, a project proposal for establishing a new feed analysis laboratory operated by the Agro Information Center was granted USAID funding.

“The main occupation of the rural population in the central region of Azerbaijan is cattle-breeding. The statistics of the past years reflect that despite the considerable increase of the number of livestock in the region, the productivity per animal is still low. We believe that having such a modern laboratory in the region will considerably affect feeding which plays a big role in production development.”, said Fazil Jafarov, Chrairman of the Board of Directors of Agro Information Center.

“With the assistance from the American people, USAID is pleased to have supported the establishment of the Feed Laboratory”, said Keith Simmons, USAID/Azerbaijan Acting Country Coordinator. “The laboratory will complement and augment AIM’s current support and provide a critically needed service to the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture sectors.”

All equipment necessary for animal feed analysis was purchased and installed in the laboratory, and the staff received neccesary training and recommendations from foreign specialists. By analyzing feed for cattle-breeding, poultry farming and aquaculture, the laboratory will be able to have information on the ingredients of the current feed and make recommendations on the best daily feeding ration for animals. All these will economically strengthen farmers  engaged in cattle-breeding, poultry and egg production and aquaculture.

Representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, local authorities and also local and international organizations, farmers and agriculture specialists participated in the event.


/Today.Az/