The implementation team of the Community Service Program from Universitas Brawijaya, consisting of Prof. Dr. Ir. Sandra, MP, Prof. Yusuf Hendrawan, STP.M.App.Life.Sc.Ph.D., Dr. Mochamad Bagus Hermanto, STP.M.Sc., Dr.Agr.Sc. Dimas Firmanda Al Riza, ST.M.Sc., and Retno Damayanti, STP.MP., collaborated with speakers from the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Dr. Ir. Mashudi, M.Agr.Sc.IPM, ASEAN Eng., and the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Dr. Dwi Setiawan, S.TP., to organize a seminar on livestock feed management specifically for goats and sheep. This event took place in Jambearjo Village, Tajinan District, Malang Regency. Its goal was to improve farmers’ knowledge on more efficient and nutritious feed management, aiming to support livestock productivity and farmer welfare in the area.
The seminar was held on September 22, 2024, at the home of Mr. Sadili, the Chair of the Independent Youth Awareness Group in Jambearjo Village, and attended by 15 goat and sheep farmers from nearby regions. During the event, the speakers discussed the importance of proper feed management to support livestock growth, health, and productivity. The material covered included ways to optimize local feed sources, calculating nutritional needs based on the age and type of livestock, and avoiding feeds containing harmful substances. They emphasized the importance of using high-quality feed that meets nutritional standards. “Livestock that receives good feed grows faster, achieves optimal weight, and has fewer health issues,” they explained, adding that this ultimately helps increase farmers’ income in the long term. They also highlighted three pillars crucial for successful goat/sheep farming: approximately 70% feed availability, quality breeding stock, and proper livestock maintenance.
Additionally, the seminar taught farmers how to mix their own feed using materials readily available in their areas. This method is expected to reduce feed production costs, making it more economical for small farmers. The participants showed great enthusiasm. Mr. Kosim, a farmer from a nearby village, asked for recommendations on suitable local feeds for his kacang-type goats. The speakers provided an example of feed composition using grass, legumes, agricultural waste, agro-industrial waste, and leaves, adjusted for the livestock’s growth stage and body weight.
This seminar aimed to equip farmers with practical knowledge that they could implement to enhance the quality and productivity of their goat and sheep livestock. The results were promising, as the event successfully improved farmers’ understanding of selecting, processing, and optimizing quality feed tailored to their livestock’s needs. Farmers in Jambearjo Village now understand the importance of calculating precise nutritional needs for each growth phase of their goats. They also gained new insights into using local resources, such as lamtoro leaves, fermented straw, and rice bran, to create high-quality feed at a lower cost. Through this initiative, it is hoped that improved feed management will become sustainable, establishing Jambearjo Village as a model for enhancing goat farming productivity and promoting farmers’ welfare in the region.