Current livestock production and protein sources as animal feeds in Thailand

摘要

Livestock production in Thailand plays an important role both in supplying meat, milk, eggs for domestic consumption and for export. Animal feeds generally account for up to 70 percent of the cost of production and within these costs, protein sourcesare likely to have a significant impact. Under the prevailing conditions and level of livestock production in Thailand, an increase in production can be anticipated. A number of local protein sources have been used in animal rations. However, soybean meal/cake and fishmeal are the major protein sources used and are mostly imported. In order to achieve the future goal of lowering imports and costs, alternative sources of competitively priced protein, such as cassava, cassava based products (e.g. cassarea) or other products from different crop origins could have potential and be exploited.