The UGM Faculty of Animal Sciences successfully organized the 10th International Seminar on Tropical Animal Production (ISTAP X) on November 8-9, 2023. ISTAP X aims to develop pilot projects focused on more efficient and sustainable animal production systems.
In addition to producing findings in animal science, the ISTAP X forum is expected to generate policies based on research evidence and community experience. These results are expected to be communicated to inspire and be further implemented.
One hundred seventeen participants from 7 countries attended the 2023 ISTAP. Besides Indonesia, representatives from Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Japan participated in the event.
Dean of the Faculty of Animal Sciences, Professor Budi Guntoro, acknowledged the dilemma due to the increasing demand for animal products and the urgent need to address the environmental impacts of livestock farming. Issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption have arisen.
“With the theme ‘Sustainable Animal Productivity and Environmental Footprint Toward Global Halal and Food Security,’ ISTAP X highlights innovative strategies, technologies, and best practices that can align livestock productivity with environmental conservation, offering a path towards a more sustainable food system,” he said.
Contributions from multidisciplinary experts, including agriculture, livestock, food technology, and environmental science, are highly expected to provide a holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities in sustainable animal productivity for halal food production.
“This certainly triggers exploration and innovative techniques to improve the health and welfare of animals, optimize resource utilization, and reduce the ecological footprint of food production,” Professor Guntoro explained.
The UGM Vice-Rector for Human Resources and Finance, Professor Supriyadi, encouraged participants to seek innovative and sustainable ways to meet the demands of animal production without sacrificing the well-being of the Earth or animals that play a vital role in the food production system.
“May this forum be utilized to the fullest by the participants. Build connections, and take knowledge that can be applied in each field. Together, we can shape a more sustainable, safe, and humane future for our world,” Professor Supriyadi said.
ISTAP X was divided into two sessions. The first session was the plenary session, featuring speakers such as Professor Matthias Gauly (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy), Professor Metha Wanapat (University of Khonkaen, Thailand), Professor Heather Burrow (University of New England, Australia), Dr. Awis Qurni Sazili (Universiti of Putra Malaysia, Malaysia), Dr. Maja Slingerland (Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands), Professor Nanung Agus F (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia), and Dr. Jasper Heerkens (Aeres University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands). The second session was a parallel session where participants presented their research results.
This seminar is expected to be a learning forum for researchers, industry professionals, and anyone interested, serving as a meeting point between halal food production, sustainable animal productivity, and environmental responsibility.
Ultimately, this forum encourages a deeper understanding of the complex and diverse relationships between food security, halal practices, and environmental sustainability, offering practical insights into addressing global challenges.
Authors: Prisilia Putri and Agung Nugroho