UNAIR NEWS – University students play a critical role in bridging academic knowledge with community needs. This commitment was exemplified by the Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Community Service Program (KKN) Learning with Community (BBK) program in Karangkuten Village, Mojokerto Regency. Through this initiative, the team introduced mineral blocks and eco-enzymes, emphasizing their wide-ranging benefits to local residents.
Improving livestock nutrition with mineral blocks
Nazwa Afifah Pujihati Muluk, a student from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and a member of the KKN team, highlighted that introducing mineral blocks aimed to enhance livestock welfare. She observed that many farmers in Karangkuten rely solely on green fodder like grass and leaves, neglecting additional nutritional supplements.
“I suggested incorporating mineral blocks as a new strategy. These blocks act as a supplementary feed to bolster the immune system. This is particularly crucial because most of their livestock have never been vaccinated, especially against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which has re-emerged recently,” Muluk explained.
The dissemination session, held on Sunday (January 19, 2024), received an enthusiastic response from local farmers. Muluk stressed the importance of mineral blocks in improving livestock immunity, strengthening bones and teeth, and enhancing reproductive health. Additionally, their long shelf life adds to their practicality.
Eco-enzymes: Multi-purpose solution
On Monday (January 20, 2024), Muluk and her team conducted a workshop on making eco-enzymes. “Eco-enzymes are a multi-purpose liquid with numerous uses, including as a cleaning agent, fertilizer, and pesticide,” she explained.
During the session, the UNAIR BBK team guided residents through the process of making eco-enzymes, explaining the composition and benefits. Women from the local Family Welfare Movement (PKK) actively participated, bringing household waste to produce their own eco-enzymes.
Author: Afifah Alfina
Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin
