Livestock

Indonesia boosts dairy industry through cow imports.

Indonesia has increased its efforts to strengthen domestic milk production by importing 1,383 additional dairy cows from Australia, according to agriculture officials.

The move forms part of a long term plan valued at US$3 bn aimed at dramatically expanding the country’s dairy sector and reducing reliance on imports.

The initiative focuses on encouraging small scale farmers to become key contributors to national milk output. Officials hope the strategy will help Indonesia quadruple its current production capacity while supporting rural livelihoods and improving food security.

Facing budget constraints, the government has taken an unconventional approach by urging private companies to finance livestock purchases. This policy has sparked debate within the business community, particularly as Indonesia continues to balance economic growth with investor confidence.

 Agung Suganda, the ministry's director general of livestock and animal health, said,"These cattle are not only an addition to the population. They are a strategic investment to strengthen the foundation of national milk production from smallholder farms."

The dairy expansion programme plays a central role in Indonesia’s free meals scheme, which aims to provide nutrition to 83 million children and expectant mothers. To meet rising demand, the plan calls for the import of one million dairy cows over five years, a significant increase from the current population of around 220,000.

The agriculture ministry explained that the cattle imports involve joint shipments and breeding partnerships between cooperatives and farmers. Since last year, this collaborative model has been designed to ensure that milk produced by smallholders feeds directly into the processing industry, offering stability and predictable supply.

The latest shipment arrived at the port city of Cilacap in Central Java and is now undergoing strict health protocols. "To ensure safety, a 14-day quarantine period will be ... followed by sample collection to detect diseases such as lumpy skin disease and foot-and-mouth disease," said Hendra Wibawa, an animal health official at the ministry.

Private firm Lunar Chemplast imported 1,094 cows, while Mazaraat Lokanatura Indonesia purchased the remaining animals. The ministry also revealed that Indonesia imported 33,955 cows in 2025, with 13,544 designated for dairy production and the rest for beef.

The government believes the programme will reshape Indonesia’s dairy industry and strengthen long term food resilience.

Several outbreaks have been reported across South and Southeast Asia.(Image credit: WHO)

The recent confirmation of Nipah virus cases in eastern India has brought renewed attention to one of the world’s most dangerous zoonotic diseases.

Although health officials have confirmed that the outbreak is limited and under control, anxiety is growing among farmers and livestock owners who depend on healthy animals for their livelihoods. A key concern is whether Nipah virus can affect farm animals such as cows and buffalo, and whether agriculture could face indirect losses.

Nipah virus belongs to the Henipavirus family and was first identified during the 1998–99 outbreak in Malaysia. That event highlighted how animal to human transmission can accelerate infections, particularly when livestock are involved. Since then, several outbreaks have been reported across South and Southeast Asia, including India, often with severe consequences for human health.

Fruit bats of the Pteropus species are known to be the natural hosts of the virus. These bats do not show symptoms but shed the virus through saliva, urine and droppings. Humans may become infected by consuming contaminated food, coming into contact with infected animals or through close contact with infected people. In humans, illness can range from mild fever to severe respiratory distress and encephalitis, with fatality rates reported between 40 and 75 percent.

For the farming community, the most pressing question is the risk to cattle and buffalo. Current scientific evidence shows that pigs are the only confirmed domestic animals that can amplify and spread Nipah virus. While antibodies have been detected in some animals like goats, horses and pets, there is no confirmed evidence of natural infection or disease in cows or buffalo. Importantly, no human Nipah cases have ever been linked directly to cattle or dairy animals.

However, India’s mixed farming systems mean humans, livestock and wildlife often share the same spaces. Fruit bats may contaminate fodder, grazing land or water sources. Even if cattle do not become ill, they could unintentionally carry contaminated material closer to people.

Experts stress that there is no need for panic. Milk and meat from healthy animals remain safe, and no restrictions have been placed on livestock trade. Simple hygiene, protected feed storage and awareness are key. As environmental change brings people and wildlife closer together, Nipah virus serves as a reminder that animal health and human health are deeply connected.

Genesys drives poultry innovation in Asia (Image credit: Genesys )

Across Asia, poultry producers have been steadily moving towards more advanced systems, with gender sorting becoming an essential part of modern hatchery operations

Traditionally done by hand, this process has long supported export requirements, where uniformity and precise weight standards are critical. However, the industry is now facing growing pressure due to labour shortages and uneven manual accuracy.

In response, Ceva Santé Animale has expanded the use of its Genesys solution across the region. Designed for today’s high demand hatcheries, Genesys offers a reliable way to automate gender sorting while improving consistency and efficiency. Its ability to integrate smoothly into existing systems and handle large scale production makes it particularly suited to Asian markets.

Accurate gender sorting brings clear advantages. Since male and female broilers grow at different rates, separating them early allows farmers to fine tune feeding plans and manage processing schedules more effectively. This leads to better flock uniformity, improved processing outcomes, and reduced waste across the value chain.

The growing importance of this technology was evident during the Gender Sorting Symposium held in Singapore on 24 and 25 March 2026. The event brought together hatchery managers, farm operators, nutrition experts, and processing specialists, all focused on improving performance in poultry production. Discussions highlighted how precise sorting at the hatchery stage can influence everything from animal welfare to final product quality.

Genesys stood out during the event for its dependable performance at industrial scale. It was recognised for delivering consistent results, supporting efficient workflows, and helping producers reduce losses while improving sustainability. These qualities have positioned it as a trusted option for hatcheries aiming to modernise their operations.

The overall message from the region is clear. Asian poultry producers are embracing smarter and more predictable systems to meet rising demand and stricter standards. With continued adoption of technologies like Genesys, the industry is moving towards a more efficient and sustainable future.

Smarter water care arrives with EDIE Generation 2 for livestock and poultry farms. (Image credit: Kemin Industries)

Kemin Industries has unveiled its latest innovation, EDIE Generation 2, a modern system designed to improve water disinfection across livestock and poultry operations 

This new solution reflects a growing shift towards smarter and more connected farm management tools.

Built to simplify everyday operations, EDIE Generation 2 brings together automation, live monitoring, and seamless connectivity in one easy to use platform. The system allows farmers and operators to manage water quality with greater precision while reducing the need for constant manual checks. By doing so, it supports both animal wellbeing and overall farm productivity.

"Water quality plays a critical role in animal health and operational productivity," said Dillon Mellick of Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health. "With EDIE Generation 2, we are delivering connected intelligence that helps producers manage water disinfection more precisely, more efficiently, and with greater confidence."

The system works directly within the water line, tracking chlorine dioxide levels and offering optional readings such as pH and oxidation reduction potential. This gives users a clear and immediate view of water conditions, helping them respond quickly when adjustments are needed.

In addition to monitoring, EDIE Generation 2 records key data such as water usage, dosing patterns, and equipment performance. It also connects to a mobile app, allowing users to check updates and receive alerts remotely. Built in sensors notify staff when chemical levels are low, while a refined controller with a clear display makes operation straightforward.

Designed to work alongside PRO OXINE AH, Kemin’s chlorine dioxide disinfectant, the system delivers consistent and reliable application without the need for manual mixing. It can also be added to existing setups, making it a flexible option for farms looking to upgrade.

With this launch, Kemin continues to focus on practical solutions that improve farm hygiene and strengthen biosecurity through smarter water management.