Solving Livestock Production Problems Through Ideas, Creativity, Innovation and Commercialization (ICIC) Ways in the Tropics

Abstract

Keywords This paper attempts to apply system thinking in solving livestock production and food security problems especially in tropical countries. System thinking is synonymous with ICIC ways which means Idea, Creativity, Innovation, and Commercialization. Through ICIC ways agriculture production systems can be efficiently managed and sustainable. In order to solve food security problems we need to consider 3Ps (people, planet and profit) aspect of development. Three examples will be used to explain ICIC approach are Livestock-crop plantation (LICRO) integrated production systems as a future livestock production system in the tropics, Oil palm fronds (OPF) as a fiber source for herbivores feeding and Dehydrated-processed food waste (DFW) as an ingredient in poultry feed formulation for free range poultry production system. This paper will apply system approach to solve some of livestock production problems such as limited grazing land space for ruminant (cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep and deer), utilizing readily available green fiber source (waste) such as OPF as herbivore feedstuff and re-utilize food waste (processed and dehydrated) from restaurants, hospital canteens, hotels and others as replacement for expensive imported feed grains in poultry feeding management. Food security problems in term of low in self-sufficiency level in animal protein food such as meat and milk from ruminants and egg & poultry meat can be solved efficiently and economically through application of appropriate technology and innovations. All problems can be turned into opportunities through ICIC ways; not only solving primary problem of resource scarcity but also contributes towards multiple output and commercialization of animal protein food items and animal products from the system.