May 22, 2009

Betagro group, one of Thailand's leading integrated agro-industry companies, introduced more innovations designed to improve the country's livestock industry, the Bangkok Post reports.

The innovations include chili-derived animal supplement, an automated pig-weighing scale, and an advanced technique for examining chicken gut bacteria.

The group is confident the breakthrough could help improve the country's livestock business, which raises 19-20 million chickens weekly and around 15-16 million pigs annnually.

The group also expects the developments will be recognised rapidly by domestic and international manufacturers, making Thailand a leader in global agriculture and food industries.

According to Better Pharma Co. general manager Chaivut Ukosakul, the development of Biocap, a new type of animal supplement, could be a replacement for traditional antibiotics.

The supplement, made from chili extract, marks a big step for the innovation of plant-derived animal supplements that are safe for animals.

Chili extract as an active ingredient helps stimulate animals' appetite and improve their digestive and immune system, resulting in increased animal growth as well as farm productivity and profitability.

Betagro Science Centre general manager Rutjawate Taharnklaew also announced the Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, an advanced technique for examining chicken gut bacteria.

The application will improve understanding about proper animal feed formulas as well as farm management and animal health care.

The technique is believed to be the first of its kind here and will help chicken farms reduce costs and increase the quality of Thailand's chicken industry to be on a par with global standards.

The group has also introduced an advanced pig-weighing scale, developed by farm equipment solution provider B. International and Technology Co.