The Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an open senate meeting to mark the peak celebration of its 56th anniversary on Monday (Nov. 10) at the drh. R. Soepardjo Auditorium. This year, the faculty adopted the theme “Enhancing Excellent Human Resources through Livestock-Based Functional Foods for a Golden Indonesia 2045.”
The event was attended by the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, university leaders, faculty members, alumni, and strategic partners from various sectors. The Ministry of Agriculture was represented by the Director of Feed, Dr. Tri Melasari, who attended on behalf of the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health, Dr. Agung Suganda.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia expressed her appreciation for the Faculty of Animal Science’s contributions to developing research innovations based on livestock-derived functional foods. She emphasized the importance of utilizing products such as milk, eggs, and meat, which play a significant role in improving public health, immunity, and cognitive function.
According to her, this year’s anniversary theme aligns with efforts to strengthen excellent human capital for a Golden Indonesia 2045.
“Nutrient-rich and functional livestock products can help cultivate a young generation that is healthy, productive, and innovative,” she said.
The rector also highlighted the faculty’s leading research initiatives that have delivered tangible benefits to society. These include collagen derived from Garut sheep skin to prevent hypertension, the development of tropical alfalfa as a high-nutrition feed, and healthy food products such as Lowkol and Lowcose suitable for individuals with degenerative diseases.
The faculty has also advanced sustainable livestock systems through cage-free poultry farming and the breeding of superior genetic lines, including the Gama Cattle and Gama Umami Grass.
“Innovations emerging from the Faculty of Animal Science reflect meaningful collaboration between academics and communities to strengthen national food security,” the rector stated.
Dean of the UGM Faculty of Animal Science, Professor Budi Guntoro, reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to becoming a national reference center for tropical animal science. He noted that 2025 will serve as an important milestone for strengthening research, innovation, and international networks.
The faculty currently offers three study programs with “Excellent” accreditation and ASIIN international certification, underscoring global recognition of its academic quality.
“These achievements demonstrate that the Faculty of Animal Science continues progressing toward becoming a world-class faculty,” he said.
Several strategic achievements were recorded throughout 2025. The faculty launched the Gama Cattle breed, officially recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, developed in collaboration with PT Widodo Makmur Perkasa and the University of Liège, Belgium.
The faculty is also advancing fourth-generation local chickens, Gama Umami Grass, and Ratu BW peanuts, all of which hold significant value for both feed and food.
“We aim to ensure that every innovation produced on this campus has real benefits for farmers and the broader society,” the dean said.
The faculty has also noted substantial progress in academic and student development. International student mobility continues to increase, with 65 students participating in programs across 10 countries and 97 international students studying at the Faculty of Animal Science.
The faculty also organized the 9th Summer Course on “Smart Farming Technologies for Sustainable Livestock and Agricultural Production to Support Food Security and Respond to the Global Food Crisis.”
“Growing international participation reflects global recognition of the faculty’s academic excellence,” Professor Guntoro explained.
In community engagement and partnerships, the faculty recorded 161 community service activities, including the Bagimu Petani, Kami Mengabdi program, which has been running for eleven consecutive years.
The faculty also signed 35 new cooperation agreements with industries, research institutes, and government agencies, while maintaining more than 190 active partnerships domestically and abroad. Collaborations with PT Global Dairi Alami, PT Lion Super Indo, and PT Toros Farm have strengthened technical training and workforce capacity in the livestock sector.
“All these achievements stem from the spirit of collaboration and dedication of the entire academic community,” he added.
Representing the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health, Dr. Tri Melasari emphasized the importance of synergy among government, academia, and industry in strengthening national food security. She noted that the livestock subsector plays a strategic role in economic development and improving public welfare.
The Ministry of Agriculture has placed the increased production of meat, milk, and eggs as a key priority in its 2025–2029 program.
“The Faculty of Animal Science holds a strategic role in developing human resources and technological innovations in tropical livestock,” she said.
Delivering the scientific address on behalf of the director general, the ministry highlighted national production targets under the National Milk and Meat Production Acceleration Program (P2SDN). The program supports investment of up to one million dairy and beef cattle to reduce imports and strengthen national self-sufficiency.
The government is also expanding collaboration with universities on genetic research and the development of superior livestock breeds.
“May this anniversary serve as momentum to accelerate progress in the livestock industry toward a Golden Indonesia 2045,” Dr. Melasari concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Salma
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian