According to the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Zuraida Kamaruddin, PKE is an economical and viable feeding option for chickens, particularly as the price of conventional chicken feed soars. With the high demand for chicken meat in the Asia Pacific region, the use of PKE as an alternative is a crucial step towards meeting this demand without causing a dent in consumer's pockets.
For years, palm waste has been viewed as a major issue in the palm oil industry, with its improper disposal causing environmental pollution. However, with the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly practices, converting the waste products into animal feed offers a sustainable solution while also solving the waste management issue.
PKE is high in protein, energy, and fiber, making it an excellent source of essential nutrients for chickens. It also contains a high concentrate of oil that is great for poultry. The nutrient profile of PKE is similar to soy, which makes it a reasonable substitute for conventional chicken feed.
Another significant benefit of PKE is that it is readily available and can be sourced locally in Malaysia. This means that it offers a sustainable alternative to imported soybean feed that drives up the cost of chicken feed significantly. The use of PKE may help to optimize the country's agricultural resources and support local farmers, which may result in the growth of the local economy.
Furthermore, the use of PKE has a positive environmental impact, as it helps to reduce the waste products from the palm oil industry. By utilizing this waste material, the industry can save on discharging costs, and contribute to the goal of achieving a zero-waste future.
In conclusion, the use of PKE as an alternative chicken feed is a sensible solution in the current economic climate. With the skyrocketing prices of traditional chicken feed, the poultry industry in Malaysia and the wider Asia Pacific region can economically benefit from this alternative. It is also a sustainable and eco-friendly option that seeks to address the growing concern around waste management and greenhouse gas emissions.
As we transition towards a more sustainable future, innovative solutions such as PKE could pave the way for the development of a circular economy where nothing goes to waste. Hence, it is high time that the poultry industry takes action and adopts PKE as an alternative chicken feed to promote sustainable agriculture practices while improving economic growth in the industry.
Keywords: Alternative Chicken Feed, PKE, Sustainable, Eco-Friendly, Circular Economy, Local Sourcing, Cost-Effective.