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| Guest lectures and presentations of livestock feed processing products from students (Photo: Rizki Public Relations). |
Compared to traditional feeds, processed animal feed is expected to enhance livestock growth, especially with increasing societal demand. This was conveyed by Ir. Yahya M. Sofwan, S.Pt., MP., IPM., Consultant for Animal Protein Indonesia at the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), during an expert lecture on animal feed and feed technology organized by the Animal Husbandry Study Program at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). The engaging event took place on June 22, 2024.
Beyond seminars, the event also featured an exhibition showcasing the results of student practicums on ruminant feed processing products. It included over 12 processed products, such as livestock vitamins, supmelen, and herbal tonics for animals.
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Yahya, affectionately known as Yahya, emphasized that the growth of processed animal feed presents a promising future for the industry. High-quality feed processing technology is crucial for establishing livestock enterprises, potentially leading to export-oriented industrial fields. "Livestock farm growth in East Java alone increased from 15,445 in 2019 to 20,451 in 2022," he stated.
Furthermore, he explained the requirements for exportable feed. For instance, poultry feed needs specific contents like 1-5 kg/t of vitamins, 1-80 kg/t of calcium, protein content of 10-30%, and grains ranging from 30-60%. Moreover, raw materials such as corn, palm oil, palm kernel meal (PKM), rice, wheat, and copra seeds are essential feed components.
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Unfortunately, many of these raw materials are still imported. In Indonesia, 65% of raw materials used in feed production are local products, while 35% are imported. The challenge lies in the competitive pricing of imported raw materials, prompting many producers to switch from local to imported materials. Additionally, Indonesia's domestic raw material production is insufficient to meet both feed production needs and consumer demand.
Therefore, livestock feed production processes need to prioritize quality and price competitiveness to support exports. Product quality attracts consumer interest, evident in the physical characteristics and chemical composition of livestock feed, including amino acids, minerals, and growth-promoting contents.
Meanwhile, Ainur Rizaldi, S.Pt., from Nutrifeed Puspeta Group, emphasized understanding market needs in developing livestock feed industries. Farmers typically prefer cost-effective feed products of comparable or superior quality. "For farmers, price is crucial. If the price matches or exceeds the quality, it is usually preferred," he remarked.
According to the alumnus of the animal husbandry program, successful livestock enterprises hinge on feed management, genetics, and husbandry management. Quality feed is essential for maximizing livestock genetic potential; otherwise, productivity may suffer.
Lastly, Apriliana Devi Anggraini, S.Pt., M.Sc., Head of the Livestock Laboratory, hopes this event will enhance students' skills and encourage innovation in Indonesian livestock feed. Through the feed product processing practicum, students are motivated to develop their products for the global market. (tri/wil/fajr)
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