2 September 2025: The Department of Livestock (DoL), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), today launched the Bhutan Standards for Animal Feeds (BSAF) 2025, an important initiative aimed at strengthening livestock production through safe, high-quality, and nutritionally balanced feeds. This document will serve as a guiding reference for the formulation, regulation, and use of animal feeds in the country, ensuring consistency and improved livestock productivity.
The launch was graced by the Honโble Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and attended by the Secretary of MoAL, the Director of DoL, official from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), and technical staff of the Department of Livestock.
The BSAF sets out comprehensive guidelines for raw material sourcing, feed manufacturing, quality control, storage, and transport. It establishes minimum nutrient requirements for various livestock species and introduces Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for contaminants such as pesticides, mycotoxins, and heavy metals. This ensures that feeds available in the country are both nutritionally adequate and safe for livestock.
Developed under the mandate of the Livestock Act of Bhutan 2001, and aligned with the Livestock Rules and Regulations 2017, the BSAF is designed to serve as a reference for feed manufacturers, importers, regulators, farmers, and testing laboratories. It is also expected to play a vital role in safeguarding food security and improving the productivity of Bhutanโs farming systems.
In his address, the Honโble Minister emphasized that ensuring the quality and safety of livestock feeds is crucial to improving animal health, productivity, and ultimately the livelihoods of farming communities,and a significant step forward in enhancing national food security.
