Enhancing Forage Plant Populations to Support Dairy Farming in Malang by UB FAPET Research Team

The research team from the Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Brawijaya, led by Prof. Ifar Subagiyo, with team members Dr. Hermanto, Dr. Siti Nurul Kamaliyah, Hanief Eko Sulistyo, MP, Artharini Irsyammawati, MP, and Rizka Muizzu Aprilia, MPt, has successfully conducted a community service project in Princi Hamlet, Gadung Kulon Village, Dau District, Malang Regency. The focus of their efforts was on “Enhancing the Population of Calliandra Plants in Forest Areas.”

The project’s partner, the Sumber Rejeki dairy farming group, boasts a livestock population of approximately 600 head with 85 members. This group produces around 30,000 liters of milk per day. To match this high output, quality feed is essential. One of the main challenges faced by the farmers is the cost of feed concentrates, which are priced at IDR 4,000 per kilogram, significantly reducing their daily income.

Addressing this issue, the research team introduced high-protein leguminous plants, specifically Calliandra, which contains more than 20% protein, as a cost-effective solution to provide high-protein feed. The team also provided information on the nutritional content and management practices for cultivating Calliandra plants.

The aim is for this partnership to serve as a model protein feed bank from plant sources for other groups, especially in Malang Regency, enhancing sustainable practices in the dairy industry. mt