Livestock In Brunei: Raising Cattle, Buffalo, And Goats

Brunei's poultry sub-sector was able to meet nearly 100% of the local demand for eggs and chicken before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the country faced shortages of meat products such as chicken, lamb, and processed meat during the pandemic. The factors contributing to these shortages included increased demand, the high cost of logistics, the high cost of feed, and unstable weather caused by climate change.

Cattle

The Bruneian government has attempted to increase agricultural production to achieve self-sufficiency in food, but with limited success. In 2013, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources revealed plans to commit 1000 hectares of land to livestock farming, with the aim of reducing the country's reliance on livestock imports from Australia.

The Brunei-Muara branch of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood has played a crucial role in encouraging and supporting cattle farming in the country. Through initiatives such as providing free seedlings of native fruit species and organising seminars and conferences on biodiversity research and management, the department has promoted sustainable practices and increased production.

Buffaloes

Brunei, officially Brunei Darussalam, is a country in Southeast Asia, situated on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. It is the only sovereign state entirely on Borneo, as the remainder of the island is divided between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Brunei's forests, which cover 72% of the country's land area, provide a habitat for numerous hornbills, barbets, sunbirds, spiderhunters, leafbirds, trogons, and floor-dwelling species such as pheasants, pittas, and wren-babblers. The country's riverine and coastal habitats, which include freshwater marshes and mangroves, are also significant for the country's wildlife.

Brunei's wildlife is facing several threats, including land development, pollution, encroachment, climate change, and invasive alien species. Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade are also significant concerns, and the government has implemented legislation to protect the country's flora and fauna.

Goats

Brunei's largest goat farm is Brugoat Farming and Trading, which is located on a three-acre site in Kg Gana, Sg Liang. Brugoat was founded in 2015 by Philip Ong Chee Leong and his father, Ong Chek Thiam, with 1,200 premium Dorper sheep and Boer goats imported from Australia. The farm now operates at near maximum capacity with 3,100 livestock, of which 70% are Dorpers and the remaining 30% are Boers.

Brugoat's goats are primarily raised for meat, with the farm supplying live animals to businesses, individual buyers, and farmers. The farm has a short-term target of reaching 5,000 goats, which will enable them to meet local demand and have a steady supply for export. Boer goats, a lean and healthy option with less cholesterol than chicken, are among the most sought-after commercial goats. Dorpers, on the other hand, are higher in fat and are typically marketed as prime lamb, known for their sweet and succulent flavour.

Goat farming in Brunei is a complex endeavour, with specific challenges such as ensuring a consistent supply of quality grass. Brugoat, for example, requires over nine tonnes of grass daily to feed their livestock. They have invested in growing grass on their own site and have permission from the Belait District Office to cut tall grass in several locations within the district. However, they must be cautious when harvesting wild grass due to the risk of parasites carried by wild boar and buffalo.

Brugoat's long-term goal is to export livestock to East Malaysia. In 2018, they successfully completed Brunei's first live supply of 100 Boer goats to Bintulu, Sarawak. The company prioritises supplying the local market, especially for Islamic sacrificial ceremonies, but they plan to increase their export efforts once local demand is stabilised.

Broiler chicken

The Ideal Multifeed Farm (Brunei) Sdn. Bhd. is a large-scale commercial chicken meat and egg production operation that has been a pioneer in the country's poultry industry since 1969. The company has subsidiaries that handle poultry processing, product distribution, and mass consumption. Ideal Hatchery (B) Sdn. Bhd., another subsidiary, was established in 1995 and is used for broiler breeder chickens, which are specifically bred and raised for good-quality day-old chick (DOC) production.

In addition to sales to businesses and consumers, there is also a demand for chicken meat for the local production of sausages, nuggets, and other processed products. According to market prices from August 11 to 14, whole chicken retails to consumers for $4.35 to $5.50 per kilogramme.

Layer chicken

Brunei has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity year-round, which is ideal for layer chickens as they require a warm environment to maintain their egg production. The country's lush vegetation and forests also provide ample opportunities for chickens to forage for insects and plants to supplement their diet.

To ensure optimal egg production, farmers in Brunei typically provide their layer chickens with spacious enclosures that offer protection from predators and extreme weather conditions. These enclosures often include perches, nesting boxes, and access to fresh water and feed.

The diet of layer chickens in Brunei typically consists of a combination of commercial layer chicken feed, which is formulated to meet their nutritional needs, and allowed-for foraged food such as insects, worms, and plant matter. A healthy diet is crucial for maintaining high-quality egg production and the overall health of the flock.

Bruneian farmers who raise layer chickens often sell their eggs directly to local communities or supply them to nearby restaurants and food stalls. This direct-to-consumer approach helps to ensure fresh produce and a stable income for farmers. Additionally, layer chicken farming can be a sustainable and affordable source of food for families in rural areas.

Overall, layer chickens play an important role in Brunei's agricultural sector and contribute to the country's food security and economy.

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