Feed Resources for Animals in Asia: Issues, Strategies for Use, Intensification and Integration for Increased Productivity (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Feed resources are the central components and drivers of production systems, whose efficient use dictates to a very large extent economic animal production in Asia. The efficiency of use of the available feed resources is especially important as it is the primary determinant of animal performance and productivity. The justification for efficiency and intensive utilisation of the available feed resources is associated with two critical factors. Firstly, the production of foods of animal origin, and especially that from ruminants lags well behind the projected human requirements. The disparity relates to a two to three fold need for increased supply up to 2050 in most countries in Asia without exception. Secondly, feeding and nutrition have been consistently reported to be the major constraint to ruminant production in both South East Asia (Devendra et al., 1997) and South Asia (Devendra et al., 1999). Careful attention to this factor alone can significantly increase the contribution from animals.