Oman Flour Mills Company (OFM) recently signed an agreement with the University of Nizwa to finance a two-year research project on utilizing palm tree and fish waste to feed Omani goats and sheep. This initiative is part of OFM’s efforts to strengthen food security in Oman, support production inputs, and empower scientific research to maximize the sustainable use of natural resources. The agreement, signed by representatives from OFM and the University of Nizwa, aims to analyze raw materials for animal feeds, conduct feeding experiments, measure effects on animal growth, study digestion factors, and assess meat quality.
The research project will take place at Sultan Qaboos University’s Agricultural Experiment Station in cooperation with the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. Students involved in the project will be trained in feed analysis techniques and field experiments, and three scientific researchers will have the opportunity to publish their work in prestigious journals. Ahmed Al-Marza, Head of the Social Responsibility Department at OFM, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing animal production operations in Oman through research and studies. This project aligns with OFM’s strategy to support the country’s food security system and contribute to achieving targeted goals.
Dr. Saif Al-Ghafri, the Professor of the UNESCO Chair on Aflaj Studies at the University of Nizwa, highlighted the importance of public and private companies supporting scientific research to advance progress and achieve sustainable development. He expressed gratitude to OFM for financing the research project on palm tree and fish waste, noting that such initiatives align with national and social responsibilities and help find solutions for production supplements. The collaboration between OFM and the University of Nizwa is seen as a means to enhance scientific research fields and empower students to conduct valuable laboratory experiments.
The agreement between OFM and the University of Nizwa marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable practices in animal feeding and utilizing natural resources effectively. By studying the nutritional components of raw materials, conducting feeding experiments, and analyzing the effects on animal health and meat quality, this project aims to contribute to the overall food security system in Oman. The partnership between the company and the university will not only benefit scientific research but also provide valuable training opportunities for students and researchers.
Supporting scientific research projects like the one on palm tree and fish waste utilization in animal feeding is crucial for advancing knowledge and finding practical solutions to agricultural challenges. By investing in such initiatives, companies like OFM demonstrate their commitment to national development and environmental sustainability. The outcomes of this research project are expected to have far-reaching impacts on animal production operations in Oman, contributing to improved food security and resource efficiency in the country. With continued collaboration between academia and industry, further advancements in agricultural practices can be achieved for the benefit of Oman’s economy and society.