The benefits of using Australian feed grains for pig production were spelled out to feed grain buyers in the Philippines and Thailand in February as part of targeted webinars presented by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC).

The webinars, presented in conjunction with Austrade, featured Australian feed nutrition expert Tony Edwards as keynote speaker and were part of AEGIC’s recent push to stimulate demand for Australian feed grains across South-East Asia.

The Philippines event attracted 150 representatives of the grain and animal feed industry. More than 70 industry delegates took part in the Thailand webinar. Mr Edwards offered a strong case for incorporating alternative Australian grains into pig feed diets.

Mr Edwards explored the advantages of using the grains for pig feed, including the technical aspects of feed formulations and nutrition.

AEGIC barley markets manager Mary Raynes led the webinars and presented the latest updates on the Australian grains industry and the production and availability of Australian feed grains.

Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre representatives discussing the benefits of Australian feed grains during a webinar with South-East Asian buyers. Photo: AEGIC

A panel discussion in each webinar featured conversations guided by feed experts from the Philippines and Thailand, including Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists president Dr Rommel C. Sulabo, Philippine Association of Feed Millers president Stephanie Nicole Garcia and CPF Feed Technology Office (Thailand) senior vice-president Dr Pairat Srichana.

AEGIC chief executive officer Richard Simonaitis, who chaired the panel discussion sessions, said there was great interest in the potential of Australian grains for swine feed.

“The key message for our friends in the Philippines and Thailand is that there are no prescriptive ingredients in pig diets,” he said. “Pigs are very adaptable and can use a variety of feed grains, and a great option is to use high-quality Australian grains such as barley, wheat and sorghum.”

Mr Simonaitis said the information was well received by the webinar attendees and there were some productive discussions about the practical aspects of incorporating Australian feed grains into swine diets.

“Over the past several years we have been engaging with feed grain buyers in a number of South-East Asian countries to help them understand the advantages of Australian grains for feed,” he said. “We will continue to follow up with attendees and ensure they get further support and information about how to use Australian grains.”

Mr Simonaitis thanked Dr Sulabo, Mrs Garcia and Dr Srichana for bringing their expertise to the panel discussion session.

AEGIC is an investment of GRDC and the Western Australian Government.

More information: Richard Simonaitis, (08) 6168 9000.