MLBA 10: August / September 2009

 

 

 

Despite the global recession, Thailand's THB16- billion animal health products industry projects a healthy 5-percent growth this year, thanks to a recent surge in foreign demand for Thai chicken and the continuing growth in domestic pork production.

 

The Thai chicken industry had originally expected a 10-percent decline in exports this year after sharp falls in global consumption at the height of the global financial crunch at the start of the year. After a brief slide, foreign demand for Thai chicken has improved towards the mid­dle of the year from both Japan and Europe.

 

Consequently, feed ingredient prices have also picked up. And when feed prices are high, feed supplements be­come the cheaper alternative, says Nackanun Chitaroon, president of the Animal Health Products Association. Established in 1980, the group has 90 members across the country all involved in various kinds of animal feed supplements.

 

There are many other factors that drive the industry's high annual growth. But economics, according to Nacka­nun, is probably the number one reason why livestock farmers use enzymes, amino acids, vitamins and other feed additives. Additives are known to bring down feed costs.

 

In this interview, Nackanun shares with MEAT & LIVESTOCK Business Asia his insights on Thailand's burgeoning animal health industry.