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| A team of lecturers from Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) provided intensive education on the rearing of male dairy calves to vocational high school students specializing in animal husbandry (Photo: Special). |
To support the success of the livestock sector in Indonesia, a team of lecturers from Muhammadiyah Malang University (UMM) provided intensive education on the maintenance of male dairy calves to vocational high school students specializing in animal husbandry. One such session was held at SMKN 1 Wonosari Malang in mid-November.
The team leader, Dr. Ir. Listiari Hendraningsih, MP., explained that this program aims to provide insights into the potential of calf rearing as a promising business opportunity. It is also a way to advance the national livestock sector, especially given the many challenges Indonesia faces in this area.
"For example, the low productivity of livestock, suboptimal feed quality, and high calf mortality rates due to poor management. This education provides concrete solutions by equipping students with skills in managing male dairy calf rearing," she said.
She was not alone in this effort. Listiari was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Ir. Sujono, M.Kes., and Ir. Ali Mahmud, M.Pt., from the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry at UMM. She explained that male dairy calves are often overlooked as they are considered less valuable compared to female calves. However, with proper education, students can harness the potential of male calves as sources of quality meat or labor. The program also introduced the use of technology in livestock management to prepare students for the digital era and Industry 4.0.
"The intensive rearing of male dairy calves can boost local meat production, which in turn helps reduce dependence on beef imports. By equipping students with knowledge of proper business management, they can assist their families or livestock communities in their areas to increase productivity and income," she emphasized.
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Some of the materials provided to the Vocational High School students included quality feed management, covering suitable types of feed, and livestock health, which encompassed disease control vaccinations and barn hygiene. They were also taught about the use of technology in livestock farming, as well as business simulations and field visits.
"With the government's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, there will be many opportunities in the livestock sector, especially in dairy farming, as the program includes the addition of free milk. With the plan to increase the dairy cattle population, the number of calves born will also rise. Female calves are clearly intended for regeneration, while male calves are for fattening and meat production," said Ali, a member of the team. (*/wil/Ind)
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