Magetan, July 26, 2024 – The Community Service Program (PKM) integrated with the Thematic KKN of the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, was successfully held in Ngiliran Village, Magetan Regency. This activity was led by Dr. Adelina Ari Hamiyanti, MP, with team members including Prof. Dr. Ir. Gatot Ciptadi, DESS., IPU., ASEAN Eng, Dr. Ir. Agus Budiarto, MS, and Muhammad Pramujo, S.Pt., M.Si. The funding for this activity was sourced from the PNBP of the Faculty of Animal Science.
The PKM program began in early July 2024, involving 15 students from the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, to assist the Beef Cattle Farmers Group in Ngiliran Village. As part of the series of activities, a socialization or outreach session was conducted by the lecturers on Friday, July 26, 2024, aiming to enhance the community’s understanding of the importance of animal welfare in livestock.
This socialization event was also attended by the Head of the Research and Development Agency of Magetan Regency, Mr. Elmy Kurnianto W, ST., MT, and a representative from the Department of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantations, Mr. Dika Triharta Kusuma, S.Pt., M.Ling. The Bank of Gamet Cells and KKN students chose Ngiliran Village as the location for this activity due to the community’s lack of understanding regarding the welfare of beef cattle, which is one of the main livelihoods in the village.
The outreach event began at 8:00 PM WIB, with opening remarks from Prof. Gatot Ciptadi, Chairman of the Research Group Bank of Gamet Cells, and Mr. Karmo, the Village Chief (Mbah Lurah) of Ngiliran Village. Mbah Lurah expressed hope that this activity would enhance the skills and knowledge of beef cattle farmers and motivate them to develop their livestock businesses. He also hoped that students and lecturers would be a place where farmers could voice their concerns, so that these issues could be addressed together.
Dr. Agus Budiarto delivered a presentation on the importance of understanding and implementing animal welfare principles in livestock farming, particularly for beef cattle, which are the predominant livestock in Ngiliran Village. “Good animal welfare requires disease prevention and appropriate care, proper housing, management, nutrition, and humane handling,” said Dr. Agus Budiarto.
The event concluded with a Q&A session between farmers and lecturers, as well as a farewell to the farmers and KKN students, as the KKN period will end at the end of July 2024. This activity demonstrates Universitas Brawijaya’s commitment to supporting the development of skills and knowledge among livestock farmers through sustainable community service programs. It is hoped that the outcomes of this activity will have a positive impact on the welfare of farmers in Ngiliran Village and the surrounding areas. mt
