A space-age system set to revolutionise production of animal feed worldwide – particularly in drought-prone regions - will be unveiled at AGRA Middle East (AGRAme), a leading agricultural industry exhibition in the region.

AGRAme, to be held in Dubai from April 8-10, is four closely linked exhibitions under one roof showcasing the latest advances in agriculture and irrigation; animal husbandry and poultry farming; floriculture and horticulture; plus fisheries and aquaculture.

The expo will be the launch pad for the Almighty Fodder Super Cell – developed in Australia – which can produce low-cost, lush and nutritious fresh fodder for over 100 cattle or other grazing animals such as camels every day after only nine days, said Jim Meltz, the expo show manager.

This year’s event will feature over 150 exhibitors from more than 30 different countries, a 60 per cent year-on-year increase.

“Not only will you be able to see this revolutionary new technology, you will also be able to taste the quality of beef that is grown on the fodder,” said Meltz.

The company’s stand will feature one of Australia’s renowned chefs, Michael Junghans, who will be cooking some of the beef from Australian Organic Meats which is grown on the fodder.

The system which fits in a 12-metre shipping container is operated by loading 1.5 kilos of barley seed to each of 600 trays. Water tanks are filled and nutrient added. The process continues for eight days until all trays are loaded and growing.

At nine days, the farmer can remove 800 kilos of high protein feed for his animals from the tray rotation, enough for 110 head of cattle with all the nutrition they require, at a considerably lower cost than traditional animal feed methods.

The system similar to that used on space stations and proposed for future manned colonies on the Moon and Mars to produce food. Even condensation from air conditioning units is returned to the system for further use.

This process of germinating grain for fodder production has tremendous potential in drought-hit areas as it provides a continuous supply any season of the year.

“The market potential for this technology in a region such as the Middle East where the growing of pasture is almost impossible is potentially enormous,” Meltz added.-TradeArabia News Service