Malang, August 6, 2024 – The Doktor Mengabdi (DM) team, led by Prof. Ifar Subagiyo, conducted a trial of three pieces of equipment that will be donated to their DM partners, the Gembalang Livestock Group in Sumberjo Village, Widang District, Tuban Regency. This event took place at the Sumber Sekar Field Laboratory with six participants. The equipment grant aims to support the implementation of Appropriate Technology introduced in the Doktor Mengabdi program.
Recognizing the abundant agricultural waste in Widang District, the DM UB team provided a rice straw press, a chopper, and equipment for soaking straw in a urea solution during the production of urea-ammoniated straw.
Prof. Ifar Subagiyo stated, “Up until now, the abundant rice straw has often been discarded or burned, rarely optimized as livestock feed. Rice straw has low quality as feed due to its high lignin content. However, proper processing can break down the lignin bonds and increase the digestibility of rice straw in the digestive systems of ruminants.”
During the trial, dry rice straw was pressed into cubes for storage in a feed warehouse for long-term use. Before being fed to livestock, the straw is expected to be processed using ammoniation techniques.
This equipment grant aims to inspire farmers in Sumberjo Village, Widang District, to continue innovating and making the most of their local resources. It is also expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of livestock feed processing, providing positive impacts on farmers’ welfare.
This activity demonstrates Universitas Brawijaya’s commitment to supporting the development of appropriate technology and empowering livestock farmers through the Doktor Mengabdi program. mt
