The UGM Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM) continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting community welfare by disseminating low-protein feed technology.
This program targets the Jamblang Genthong Community in Karangtengah Village, Bantul Regency, to help local farmers with economic and environmental challenges.
Led by Dr. Muhlisin, the program introduces the Low Protein Diet (LPD) technology for layer chickens. This innovative approach aims to reduce feed costs while lowering the carbon footprint of farming activities.
Dr. Muhlisin highlighted this technology’s dual benefits for the environment and farmers’ livelihoods. The low-protein feed is made from locally available corn and rice bran.
“Besides being more economical, this feed reduces ammonia emissions from chicken waste, which significantly contributes to nitrogen pollution. This technology represents a tangible step towards sustainable farming,” Dr. Muhlisin explained on Wednesday (Dec. 11).
Ten young members of the Jamblang Genthong Community were selected as farming partners for the program. They received training on managing free-range layer chickens on a 300 m² plot owned by the community.
The dissemination of low-protein feed technology aims to improve the well-being of the chickens and support long-term egg productivity. The community youth were also mentored on independently producing low-protein feed.
“By utilizing abundant local resources such as corn and rice bran, this program helps reduce production costs, which have been a major challenge for small-scale farmers,” Dr. Muhlisin noted.
Beyond feed production, the program emphasized the importance of packaging and marketing. Participants were trained to package eggs with eco-friendly designs that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Marketing strategies were also part of the training, ensuring that the eggs produced through this initiative could reach broader markets.
The program has garnered full support from Animal Science UGM in collaboration with the Jamblang Genthong Community and funding from the Directorate of Community Service at UGM.
Regular monitoring and evaluation ensure participants’ understanding and the successful implementation of the technology in the field. The eggs produced under this program are of high quality and are ready to compete in the market.
Through this program, Animal Science UGM aims to create new economic opportunities for the youth of Karangtengah Village while offering a concrete solution to the environmental impact of layer chicken farming.
Sarjianto, Chair of the Jamblang Genthong Community, expressed his appreciation for the empowerment program, noting that it has effectively equipped community members with the knowledge to manage free-range layer chicken farming.
He also acknowledged the economic improvements brought by the initiative, stating that it serves as a stepping stone toward economic independence and sustainable farming.
“We hope this program becomes a replicable model for other regions in Indonesia,” he remarked.
Reporter: Animal Science UGM/Satria
Author: Agung Nugroho