The thriving animal feed industry in East Africa is pivotal for food security and economic prosperity in the region. For millers striving for optimal efficiency, healthier animals and sustainable practices, staying ahead of the curve is crucial.
To assist with the industry’s growth, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently held an intensive training program for animal nutrition and technology at the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT), welcoming 14 professionals from Kenya and one from Tanzania.
“This wasn’t just another workshop. As with previous courses at INAT, it was a hands-on, deeply immersive experience designed to tackle the real-world challenges faced by nutritionists, production heads and plant managers in East Africa,” said Ana Ballesteros, USGC deputy regional director for Europe and the Middle East.
Facilitated by INAT with the Council’s support, participants delved into the intricacies of animal nutrition, advanced feed formulation, cutting-edge feed technologies and robust quality control systems for raw materials and finished products.
The five-day program meticulously blended crucial theoretical knowledge with invaluable practical application. Key sessions covered global grain insights, advanced feed manufacturing, optimized nutrition and quality control measures.
The courses gave attendees an understanding of the role of U.S. corn and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in feed diets and proper storage and maintenance of feed to retain quality throughout the production process.
The diverse group of participants—ranging from nutritionists to production and plant managers—returned to their respective companies armed with enhanced knowledge, practical skills and a global perspective on feed production.
“This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration in building a more resilient, efficient and sustainable animal feed industry across East Africa,” said Susan Maina, USGC Kenya representative.
“It’s not just about training; it’s about investing in the future of food and feed production. This will, in turn, increase demand for feed grains in the region and provide a significant opportunity for U.S. grains and co-products to support the growth of the feed, poultry and dairy industries.”
Learn more about the Council’s work in Africa here.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.