As a major provider of animal protein, the livestock industry faces significant challenges related to global warming caused by high methane (CH₄) emissions. Beyond harming the environment, these emissions also lead to energy loss in livestock, as ruminants can produce between 250 and 500 liters of CH₄ per day which equivalent to a feed energy loss of 3–17 percent. One of the solutions developed to address this issue is a zinc oxide (ZnO)-based feed additive, which helps inhibit CH₄ production by disrupting methanogen cell membranes.
A team of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students participating in the Student Creativity Program for Exact Sciences Research (PKM-RE) developed PhylloZinc UGM, an innovative feed additive based on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles produced through green synthesis using meniran (Phyllanthus niruri) leaf extract.
“This research aims to reduce methane (CH₄) emissions from ruminant livestock using environmentally friendly materials,” said Catherine Noor, the team leader, on Thursday (Oct. 9).
In addition to Noor from the Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM), the team consists of Jesslyn Beatrice (Animal Science UGM), Zahwa Tsuroyya A. Z. (Faculty of Biology/Biology UGM), Rona Ayyu H. (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine/FKH UGM), and Ahmad Rizal Riswanda D. (Animal Science UGM), under the supervision of Dr. Moh. Sofi’ul Anam, from the Animal Science UGM.
Team member Ahmad Rizal Riswanda expressed hope that the team’s findings could contribute to addressing methane emission issues, which remain one of the major challenges in the livestock industry. He added that the research aims to produce an innovative feed formulation that enhances animal health and productivity.
“Our team chose Phyllanthus niruri, or meniran, because of its high flavonoid content and its easy availability,” said Riswanda.
Further explaining the process, Jesslyn Beatrice stated that the green synthesis resulted in both powder and liquid forms of nano-sized ZnO. These nanoparticles were then characterized using spectrophotometry, Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The ZnO nanoparticles were also tested in vitro at the Animal Feed Technology Laboratory, Animal Science UGM.
“The in vitro tests produced rumen fluid and gas samples, which were further analyzed through Microbial Protein Tests, Ammonia Tests, FVA Tests, Rumen Fluid pH Tests, and RT-PCR Tests,” she explained.
Beatrice added that with funding support from Belmawa and UGM, the PhylloZinc UGM research was conducted over four months at the Faculty of Animal Science, involving a multidisciplinary approach. The team hopes that the research outcomes will contribute to mitigating global warming while improving livestock productivity.
“Developing green ZnO nanoparticles from meniran leaves to reduce livestock methane emissions is a strategic innovation to support modern, sustainable, and environmentally friendly animal farming,” she concluded.
Reporter: Animal Science UGM/Satria
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya