Kazakhstan opens Trouw Nutrition-backed feed mill

KAZAKHSTAN – Kazakhstan has commissioned one of its largest animal feed manufacturing facilities, a 120,000-metric-tonne-per-year feed mill built with technology from Trouw Nutrition, as the country moves to strengthen domestic feed production, reduce reliance on imports and support growth in its livestock and aquaculture sectors.

The SAVORY feed mill in Kokshetau was developed through an investment of KZT6 billion (US$13 million) and will manufacture compound feed for cattle, poultry, pigs and aquaculture. 

The project is expected to improve the utilisation of locally produced grain while supplying higher-quality feed to producers.

According to Gabbas Yerzhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Qazaqstan Investment Corporation, the investment reflects Kazakhstan’s broader strategy of shifting from exporting raw agricultural commodities to producing value-added products.

“Akmola Region is one of the country’s largest producers of grain and oilseeds, yet processing capacity remains underdeveloped,” Yerzhanov said.

He added that the new facility will convert large volumes of locally grown grain into finished feed products, creating greater economic value while supporting domestic livestock production.

“Kazakhstan needs to move beyond exporting raw grain or flour and focus on producing goods with greater added value,” he said, noting that reducing dependence on imported aquafeed has become a strategic national priority.

The mill incorporates Dutch feed manufacturing technologies, including advanced laboratory systems for ingredient testing and precision feed formulation.

According to Alexander Spichak, Trouw Nutrition’s Regional Manager for Central Asia and the Caucasus, quality feed production begins with accurate evaluation of raw materials.

“Every feed mill starts with a laboratory. With a high-quality laboratory, we can produce high-quality feed,” Spichak said.

He explained that the facility uses internationally recognised analytical methods to assess local ingredients and to formulate rations based on the availability of regional raw materials.

“Each ration is developed based on the specific raw materials available in a particular region. That is why the feed delivers maximum efficiency,” he said.

Industry representatives believe the investment will help address persistent shortages of quality compound feed across Kazakhstan.

“There is always a shortage of quality feed on the local market. That is why the emergence of a new modern enterprise is of great importance for the development of the sector,” said Yermek Abuov, First Deputy Chairman of the Association of Farmers of Kazakhstan.

According to official government data, Kazakhstan consumes approximately 2 million metric tonnes of animal feed annually, with demand expected to increase through 2030 as poultry, beef, dairy and aquaculture production expand. 

Despite being one of Central Asia’s largest grain producers, much of the country’s livestock sector still relies on traditional feeding systems, limiting productivity.

Officials expect greater adoption of scientifically formulated compound feed to improve feed conversion, animal performance and farm profitability while supporting Kazakhstan’s ambition to develop a more competitive, value-added livestock industry.

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