By Azman Zakaria
Photo Noor Azreen Awang
SERDANG, Dec 5: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malayan Flour Mills Berhad (MFM) and AGCO GSI (M) Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the handing over of and launching of a closed poultry house for broiler chickens to UPM.
The RM750,000 fully covered poultry house was contributed by MFM and AGCO GSI. The 62x12 meter building is equipped with a sophisticated system and equipment including finishes such as raised floor pens, feeders, drinkers and a three-storey cage or coop.
The house that can hold 7,500 chickens is also equipped with a sensor that automatically controls the temperature and humidity of the house.
The MoU was signed by UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Aini Ideris while MFM and AGCO GSI were represented by their managing directors, Teh Wee Chye, and Goh Bak Yan, respectively.
Also present were UPM Board Chairman, Tan Sri Dr. Ghauth Jasmon; MFM Chairman, Tan Sri Arshad Ayub; and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, UPM, Prof. Dr. Abdul Shukor Juraimi.
Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Aini, in her speech, said that the facility could be used for learning and research, and it could be considered as part of the development of the Agricultural Revolution 4.0 (AR4.0) at UPM.
She said UPM has the expertise in the poultry sector, and it is committed to help improve the production and quality of poultry, in line with the goals set by MFM and AGCO GSI.
She said the collaboration would help UPM achieve its goals in strengthening industry and community service network while the research conducted by UPM experts with the industry through collaboration programmes would help the industry solve problems in the field.
Meanwhile, Tan Sri Arshad, whose speech was delivered by Teh Wee Chye, said that the closed poultry house would allow researchers and students to conduct research in environmental controlled conditions within UPM campus.
He added that students would have the experience in raising chickens in a controlled environment, which would further enhance their knowledge and understanding in carrying out research and development projects. - UPM
