Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock Development reveals Milk supply across the country is now down from last year's average of 400 tons/day due to milking breaks. Before the cow is born according to the normal cycle of rearing In addition, some farmers have stopped raising due to the high cost of raw materials for animal feed. The Department of Livestock Development has accelerated the promotion of the use of animal feed to help reduce costs. It is expected that the amount of raw milk will gradually increase to meet demand. according to the milk production cycle of dairy cows
Veterinarian Praphas Pinyocheep, Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock Development As Mr. Dairy of the Department of Livestock Development said Currently, raw milk supply across the country is lower than average. The average raw milk throughout the year 2022 is about 3,500 tons/day. In 2023, the average milk volume in May 2023 is about 2,900 tons/day, therefore lower than the average in May. Last year 400 tons/day or 12% (May 2022 average 3,300 tons/day)
There are two reasons for adjusting the amount of raw milk: during June-September of every year. It is the area where most of the cows are close to giving birth. So the farmers took a break. In which the amount of milk is normally reduced according to the season and will begin to rise in October onwards. In addition, some farmers have stopped raising or reduced the number of cows since they were affected by the COVID period. Later, there was a problem of continuously high prices of animal feed raw materials. This increases the cost of milk production.
The Department of Livestock Development operates a project to help small and small dairy farmers reduce feed costs since feed costs account for 60-70% of total production costs. from buying ready-made food concentrates become coarse grain grass By encouraging farmers who are ready to grow roughage grass, set for 50,000 rai nationwide. by the Department of Livestock Development to support seed and grass seedlings Currently, there are 27,000 rai of planted areas, but the beginning of the year was affected by drought. Currently, we are accelerating the expansion to complete the project. Another project is The project to promote the use of Dry TMR feed, which is a ready mix feed produced by mixing coarse feed and concentrate feed in an appropriate ratio. The Department of Livestock Development in 10 provinces in every region found that the cost was reduced by 3 baht/kg of milk, or 10%. Currently, the results are being extended to more farmers because reducing production costs will help farmers to be able to raise dairy cows. sustainable
It also cooperates with the Department of Internal Trade. Ministry of Commerce in linking raw materials directly from the production source and procuring suitable replacement raw materials without affecting the quality of raw milk. Including compensation for animal feed to small and small farmers as well.
Source: Thai News Agency