Morocco and France Showcase Advanced Livestock Tech at Meknes Fair
Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Moroccan and French agricultural professionals showcased advanced livestock monitoring technologies at the 18th International Agricultural Fair in Meknes, Morocco.
- Technologies demonstrated include sophisticated feeding software, electronic milking counters, and remote sensing collars to improve animal health and productivity.
- These innovations aim to enhance efficiency, reduce losses, and adapt livestock farming to climate challenges, reflecting a broader trend towards 'precision agriculture'.
In Meknes, the heart of Morocco's agricultural heritage, the 18th International Agricultural Fair has become a vibrant hub for showcasing the future of farming. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on the integration of cutting-edge technology in livestock management, with Moroccan and French professionals leading the charge. The discussions and demonstrations centered on 'precision agriculture,' a concept rapidly transforming how we approach animal husbandry, from dairy cows to goats.
Integrating technology into the agricultural sector is important due to its contribution to achieving good productivity.
Our coverage highlights the tangible benefits of this technological leap. Moroccan investor Abdelghani Ait Kroum, managing a herd of 150 Holstein cows, shared how advanced software optimizes feed rations, significantly boosting milk production to 1.3 million liters annually while minimizing costs. This digital transformation extends from the milking parlor, equipped with electronic counters, to automated feeding systems, drastically reducing human error and enabling early detection of health issues or productivity declines. The adoption of smart collars for remote health monitoring and automated climate control systems further illustrates Morocco's commitment to innovative, climate-resilient farming practices.
This technical transformation allowed the company (the farm) to move from traditional collective management to a precise management model, and also facilitated the early detection of any health problems or decline in productivity.
Similarly, Moroccan professional Dr. Badr Hallawi emphasized the impact of data-driven feeding strategies, initially saving approximately 4800 dirhams daily by precisely managing feed quantities. His adoption of Near-Infrared (NIR) technology allows for real-time nutritional adjustments, a significant improvement over traditional, time-consuming lab analyses. These advancements are not merely about increasing output; they represent a strategic move towards greater sustainability and efficiency in the face of environmental and economic pressures. For Morocco, embracing such technologies is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global agricultural market and ensuring food security for its growing population.
We are preparing in the company to expand this digital model to include new units for broiler production, equipped with the latest cooling and automatic distribution technologies, to ensure the highest standards of quality and competitiveness.
Originally published by Hespress in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.