Palm kernel cake is a byproduct of palm kernel oil production and is abundant in Indonesia.
It contains approximately 14-19% crude protein, making it a potential livestock feed, as explained by Professor Zuprizal, a researcher from the Animal Feed Science Laboratory (IMT) at the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM), during the Fapet Menyapa event on Friday, Jan. 24, discussing the potential of feed additives for livestock feed.
Professor Zuprizal mentioned that Indonesia’s annual feed production is about 20 million tons, and the optimal proportion of palm kernel cake used in broiler chicken feed formulation is 10%, supplemented with essential amino acids and enzymes.
“There is potential to use around 2 million tons of palm kernel cake for broiler chicken feed,” said Professor Zuprizal.
He further explained that using 10% palm kernel cake in broiler feed could reduce the use of corn by approximately 9% and soybean meal by around 3%.
“This would result in savings, especially since soybean meal is still imported,” he added.
However, due to the high fiber content, particularly mannans in palm kernel cake, supplementation with external enzymes like mannanase, NSPase, and protease is needed to improve nutrient digestibility, which in turn enhances productivity, carcass quality, and the digestive health of broiler chickens.
The IMT team also presented several research examples of feed additives using nanoparticle technology for broiler chickens, such as nanotechnology turmeric extract, nanotechnology cardamom extract, nanoemulsion lemongrass essential oil extract, and soursop leaf extract.
Alongside Professor Zuprizal, the IMT team present at Fapet Menyapa included Professor Kustantinah, Dr. Aji Praba Baskara, Dr. Nanung Danar Dono, Dr. Insani Hubi Zulfa, and Dr. Aeni Nur Latifah.
Reporter: Animal Science UGM/Satria
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photos by: Gapki and Margiyono