The issue of climate change is becoming increasingly prominent as various environmental problems arise. International consensus has agreed on targets for reducing carbon emissions in each country.
Indonesia achieved a 91.4 million-ton reduction in carbon emissions in 2022, expected to reach 116 million tons this year. Cooperation in various fields, including academia and research, is essential to address these issues.
Recognizing the role of higher education institutions in addressing these issues, five UGM students have created an innovative solution in the livestock sector. This sector is considered the third-largest contributor of methane gas, contributing 20-25% of global methane emissions.
Carbon emissions are produced through the fermentation process in the digestive systems of livestock and released through belching and feces.
Few innovations have addressed this issue, driving the team to create environmentally friendly animal feed supplements using seaweed (Sargassum sp. and Gracilaria sp.).
“The reason we chose macroalgae as the main ingredient for ruminant animal feed supplements is that macroalgae contain tannins and saponins that can reduce methane gas production,” said team leader Ahmad Rizal.
“Seaweed has already been widely used in the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries. However, in the livestock sector, particularly as a feed additive, this presented a challenge for us to explore and identify essential compounds that we could use, especially turning it into a ready-to-use, quality, and affordable product for farmers.”
Seaweed-based processed products in pellet form were intentionally selected to make it easier for farmers to provide feed and for storage.
“We turned our research product into pellets to make it easier for farmers and increase efficiency. Additionally, with the innovative supplement in pellet form, livestock feed supplements become more durable and can be stored for an extended period,” said team member Siti Komariyah.
While seaweed has long been used as the basis for various processed products in the food and non-food industries, this research introduced seaweed as a ready-to-use animal feed supplement for the first time.
The team, consisting of Ahmad Rizal Riswanda Danuartha (Animal Science 2022), Akmal Bunyamin (Biology 2021), Anggi Abdillah Surya Amni (Chemistry 2022), Yessa Juliaputri (Aquatic Resource Management 2021), and Siti Komariyah (Animal Science 2022), was directly mentored by Moh. Sofiul Anam.
Initially, the team identified the numerous coastal areas in Yogyakarta with potential for seaweed cultivation. As a result, Trenggole Beach in Gunungkidul was chosen as one of the seaweed sampling areas.
“We collected seaweed samples at Trenggole Beach, Gunungkidul, and then processed the seaweed into pellets. After that, we conducted in vitro tests in the lab using rumen fluid obtained from Bali cattle,” explained Anggi Amni.
“We then took the gas produced during the in vitro test to analyze the production of carbon dioxide and methane gases. The gas test results showed that the feed supplement reduced methane gas emissions from rumen fermentation.”
Results from tests conducted at the Pati Agricultural Environmental Instrument Testing Institute reported that the pellet supplement created by the team reduced methane gas production by 21.19% with a 3% supplementation scale and 21.38% with a 6% supplementation scale.
Moreover, the supplement pellet was able to increase the digestibility of energy in dry feed by 7.29%. Previously, energy in the meal could not be fully absorbed due to methane gas production.
This research is undoubtedly a significant achievement. Its potential to help reduce global methane gas emissions can push carbon emission reduction targets further, potentially helping address climate change.
Author: Tasya