DVS Develops MyFeed App To Enhance Livestock Nutrition Management

SERDANG, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has developed a mobile application to calculate and plan a complete daily feed ration for livestock, called the MyFeed app.

Its deputy director-general (Development), Dr Suratan Kamarudin, said the free app provides precise and effective guidance in determining the appropriate feed rations based on the necessary parameters.

“MyFeed helps farmers improve their livestock’s health, productivity and well-being by providing efficient, accurate and accessible information on livestock nutrition management.

“A healthy and appropriate diet is crucial to ensure the production of high-quality meat and milk,” he said after launching the MyFeed app at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2024 here today.

He added that the app can be used on various mobile devices, with or without an internet connection.

At the event, Suratan also launched the Malaysian Livestock Breeding Strategic Plan, which outlines the government’s policy approach in planning the direction for national livestock breeding.

The strategic plan also seeks to boost production efficiency, reduce dependence on livestock and livestock product imports and ensure long-term food security.

Meanwhile, Veterinary Research Division director Dr Rohana Abu Bakar said it took DVS approximately six months to develop the MyFeed App, with a budget of less than RM50,000.

“It didn’t take long to develop the app because we’ve been using the same concept and formulas since 2007, previously through Microsoft Excel.

“But with the widespread use of smartphones, we’ve transitioned to a mobile app to keep up with technological advancement,” she explained.

Rohana added that DVS has started conducting Transfer of Technology workshops for extension officers to guide farmers under their supervision using the MyFeed app.

“In conjunction with MAHA, we aim to encourage more farmers to use MyFeed. In fact, many of them have already shown interest and some have started using the app,” she said.

She expressed hope that the app will help farmers meet their livestock’s nutritional needs, which will, in turn, boost their overall production.

“The app is designed to estimate a daily weight gain of 500g for cattle, enabling farmers to calculate the exact nutritional requirements for greater meat and milk yields,” she said.

Themed ‘Harvesting Tomorrow Where Dreams Blossom’, MAHA 2024 runs from Sept 11 to 22 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), with an expected three million visitors.

--  BERNAMA