April 3, 2013

 

Betagro to invest in hog farm in Lop Buri, Thailand

 

Animal feed producer, Betagro Group, is expanding its pork business with an investment of more than US$10.2 million in a new hog farm, based in the Lop Buri province, Thailand.

 

The expansion is aimed at bolstering Betagro's swine business, one of five core operations of Thailand's leading agricultural firm.

 

Located in the Chai Badan district, the new farm has the capacity to produce 2,500 great-grandparent pigs (GGPs) from breeds, such as Large White, Landrace and Duroc, said executive vice-president, Vasit Taepaisitphongse.

 

"The farm is in full compliance with international farm standards, especially the use of animal-friendly buildings that promote animal welfare," Taepaisitphongse added.

 

The farm is also equipped with European-standard electronic sow feeders, using RFID (radio frequency identification) for improved traceability and feeding efficiency.

 

The automatic feeding system helps minimise the stress of livestock, thus improving the feed conversion rate and overall productivity.

 

Scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2014, the farm will be a major supplier of fattening pigs for the S-Pure premium pork brand.

 

The swine business, which includes processed food, contributes US$136 million to Betagro's annual sales. The share increases when cooked products, like ham and sausage, are considered.

 

Betagro plans to be the leading pork exporter in the next few years, with volume of 140,000 GGPs projected.

 

The group expects to supply more than three million pigs per year for its processing plant within the next five years, up from the current figure of less than one million.

 

Thailand's overall pig production is estimated at 13.7 million fatteners this year and 14 million for 2014.