A team of students from the Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM) has earned national recognition for their achievement.
The team, comprising Tanaya Bagus Priya Waskita, Raden Roro Salsabila Arrozza, and Sigit Septian Hadi, under the supervision of Galuh Adi Insani, secured second place in the 2025 National Scientific Paper Competition on Livestock Innovation, organized by the Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi.
The competition was held on Tuesday (Apr. 29) as part of the 20th National Working Meeting (RAKERNAS) of the Indonesian Association of Animal Science Student Senates (ISMAPETI).
At this event, the UGM team presented a paper under the sub-theme Animal Nutrition and Feed, titled “The Potential of Phytobiotics Based on Dragon Fruit Peel (Hylocereus sp.) and Moringa Leaves (Moringa oleifera) as a Substitute for Antibiotics to Improve Broiler Chicken Performance.”
Tanaya Bagus Priya Waskita explained that the UGM team aimed to address antibiotic resistance and its harmful effects on the environment and human health by proposing a natural psychobiotic alternative.
This innovation responds to growing concerns over the use of antibiotics as antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), which contribute to antimicrobial resistance and food safety issues.
“We chose dragon fruit peel because it is an abundant agro-industrial by-product that has not been optimally utilized. In fact, this peel is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which have the potential to improve broiler chicken performance,” she explained at Animal Science UGM on Wednesday (May 14).
Waskita also noted that Moringa leaves are easy to cultivate in various regions across Indonesia. The leaves are rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients.
“The combination of these two ingredients offers a phytobiotic solution that is not only effective but also environmentally friendly and sustainable,” she added.
Regarding the competition, Waskita shared that the UGM team presented their innovation in person at Hasanuddin University during the final round.
She mentioned that the entire process, including the Q&A session, was highly competitive.
“We are grateful that on Apr. 30, 2025, it was announced that the UGM team won second place in the National Scientific Paper Competition on Innovation,” she said.
Reporter: Animal Science UGM/Satria
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya