Advanced technologies are going to be introduced for the development of animal husbandry in Kazakhstan

The state policy of livestock development in Kazakhstan will be conducted taking into account the advanced technologies of the world. Among the best is the method of Australia, which is one of the top five global lamb producers and is the largest exporter in the world.

Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin discussed the tasks, problems and prospects of livestock development in Kazakhstan with the largest domestic producers of livestock and meat.

Kintal Islamov, Chairman of the Management Board of Atameken-Agro LLP, spoke about a recent trip to Australia to cattle producers' farms.

"First of all, what impressed me was the cleanliness and order of keeping animals. The high technological efficiency of the process, the built logistics, the equipment that is used, the order of feed supply, waste disposal — the approach to all processes is completely different. It takes a lot of money to build such a production. And we always lack them, we always want to save money. Plus, you need a sufficient number of livestock, which quickly gives the maximum gain. We always criticize the agricultural sector, but we must understand that this is capital-intensive production in general. I think this is a promising direction, but it requires a professional approach," Islamov said.

Statistics show that the livestock industry is developing at a stable pace in Kazakhstan. Over the past 5 years, beef production in all categories of farms has increased by 56 thousand tons or 11.7% (from 477.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 533.2 thousand tons in 2022). As a result, today the beef supply is 102%.

"The program of subsidizing beef cattle breeding covers the entire production cycle: starting with the acquisition, breeding and breeding work and ending with the delivery to feedlots and meat processing plants. The cost of beef harvesting for meat processing enterprises with a capacity of 1.5 thousand heads of cattle per day is also subsidized," Vice Minister of Agriculture Amangali Berdalin said at the meeting.

Considering that today the domestic market of the country is fully provided with meat, the further development of the industry is connected with exports. And in this part there are many issues that need to be resolved.

"This is the small—scale and technological backwardness of most livestock enterprises, non—compliance with a full-fledged cattle feeding diet, which ultimately affects productivity and, accordingly, we have a low slaughter yield of meat from carcasses - 176 kg, on average," Amangali Berdalin continued.

Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture is developing a Roadmap for the development of beef cattle breeding for a three-year period. The document plans to include measures to create modern export-oriented meat processing plants, feedlots for the cultivation of cattle based on the use of modern technologies that contribute to increasing the average daily weight gain of livestock and reducing the period of achieving high weight conditions.

At the meeting, large animal breeders expressed their plans and proposals for the development of animal husbandry. For example, the founder of Nurym Group LLP and Kayyp Ata LLP, Syrym Yertaev, informed that feedlots for 25 thousand heads are being prepared in the Turkestan region, simultaneously providing for irrigated land for 4.5 thousand hectares. The business plan is ready, the necessary documents are also ready.

Talgat Malaev, head of the Karasu-Astyk investment project, spoke about plans to increase the existing livestock.

"There is a foundation, a fodder base, equipment for harvesting, a fattening site for the one—time maintenance of 3 thousand heads of cattle, of which the breeding stock is 1.8 thousand heads. We plan to increase the feedlot to 10 thousand heads, modernize the meat processing plant with the introduction of deep processing technology and increase the breeding reproductor to 7 thousand heads. Plus, to develop "green" technologies — biogas," he said.

Ilyas Zhananov, Chairman of the Management Board of ZHERSU Investment and Industrial Corporation LLP, coordinator of the Arkharly-Mayburek and Kaindy projects, having a reproducer for 7 thousand breeding stock, in most breeds of Aberdeen-Angus and Hereford, plans to expand to 10 thousand heads and install irrigation systems on 2 thousand hectares.

Also during the meeting, proposals were made on the need to reform the veterinary system and open export markets, fair distribution of seized land.

"We will support those who are ready to implement the best practices of developed countries and thereby reduce the cost of meat production in Kazakhstan. We are testing new methods in pilot projects on those farms who are ready to undertake it. At this stage, we do not need large-scale programs, but successful models that can then be replicated throughout Kazakhstan. But each project for admission to participation will undergo a thorough check in the regions, NCE "Atameken" for financial stability, business reputation, compliance with all requirements of financial institutions and other parameters," Serik Zhumangarin summed up the meeting.