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| Goat Milk Developed by UMM Students (Photo: Special) |
Students from the Animal Husbandry program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) have proven that goats are not just ordinary livestock. Both their meat and milk hold significant economic potential if properly cultivated. One such success story is Alfi Fuad Nugroho and his team, who successfully developed a business cultivating Etawa Crossbreed (PE) goats of the Kaligesing breed and secured funding from the Student Entrepreneurship Development Program (P2MW).
Interestingly, the group, which also includes Muhammad Taufikurrahman, Farhan Arvi Mubarak, and Andi M. Reza, focuses on developing high-protein goat milk. This initiative is driven by the growing potential of PE goat farming and milk in Tulungagung Regency, supported by a rich environment suitable for feed production.
"Goat milk is known to be rich in nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, sodium, and fluorine, which are beneficial for boosting the immune system, bone health, and heart health. Actually, the nutritional content of PE goat milk is not much different from other goat breeds. However, PE goats have higher protein content and a distinctive aroma," explained Alfi.
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In their efforts to enhance milk quality, the team uses tofu residue supplemented with factory-made concentrate, minerals, and turmeric. Moreover, the high protein content of tofu residue helps increase goat body weight productivity and milk yield.
As evidence, the team conducted laboratory tests on the nutritional content of PE goat milk. Remarkably, the test results showed that their PE goat milk contained 3.71 grams of protein, exceeding the standard of 3.6 grams. This proximate analysis ensures that consumers have a clear understanding of the nutritional content of goat milk.
Supported by Aprilliana Devi Anggraini, S.Pt., M.Sc., lecturer of Poultry Agribusiness D-IV at UMM, the team not only focuses on milk production but also aims for other positive outcomes. This includes selling milk to the public, breeding for sale of offspring, providing large male goats for special sacrificial purposes, and enhancing the market value of goats.
"This is one of UMM's contributions and support in providing entrepreneurial mentors, thereby enhancing entrepreneurship skills. Moving forward, we will also develop feed selection to increase milk productivity post-calving," she added.
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With these achievements, Alfi and his team hope for stable and increasing market demand for goat milk each year. They are optimistic that the Kaligesing PE goat business can become a primary source of income and attract more people to engage in this field. (lai/wil/fajr)
