UNAIR NEWS – A vast expense of palm tree plantations in Papua which contribute to energy self-sufficiency, generates the potential of palm tree fronds waste. In the hands of livestock farmers, this waste can find new benefits. The Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) through Sapi Sehat, Limbah Sawit Bernilai, Peternak Berdaya program, is promoting the use of palm tree fronds as an alternative for animal feed while also strengthening the health and reproduction of cattle in Prafi District, Manokwari, West Papua.
The team leader, Prof Dr Erma Safitri drh MSi, explained that the program targets more than 50 farmers, covering approximately 1.000 cattle with the focus on potential farmers. “In addition to the use of alternative feed, this program also answers farmers’ needs in order to monitor the health, reproduction, weight, and the condition of their livestock on a more regular basis,” said Prof Safitri.
Transforming palm tree fronds into animal feed
Prof Safitri explained that one of the key innovations in this program is SILPA-SAPI, the process of transforming palm tree fronds into silage as an alternative feed for cattle. The team processes the fronds through several steps of collecting, chopping, adding additives or probiotics, until anaerobic fermentation for 2-4 weeks. This process produces preserved feed which is easier to digest, helps reduce crude fiber content, and softens its texture.
The use of palm tree fronds is not merely providing an alternative animal feed for the livestock farmers, but also opens new economic opportunities. Aside from meeting their own livestock feed needs, these farmers can also process and sell the silage to receive added values. ”This concept also applies the circular economy principles by transforming plantation waste into a productive resource,” said Prof Safitri.
This program also features Posyandu Ternak Keliling that visits farmers’ locations. The services include guidance on cattle health and reproduction, feed, barn sanitation, medical treatment, and livestock condition record-keeping. The team also trained local volunteers so the community can continue the guidance after the program period ends.
Creating a data-driven healthy farm
Each of the aimed cattle also received a recording card which contains identity, health condition, weight, Body Condition Score (BCS), reproduction condition, medical treatment, and feed of the cattle.This record-keeping helps farmers to monitor cattle’s growth, recognize health and reproduction disorder earlier. “The team aims to ensure that the cattle’s weight remains within the standard and increase reproductive productivity to meet the target of one birth per year,” she explained.
The program’s implementation involves groups of farmers, local volunteers , and BUMDes or cooperatives to support the production and distribution of SILPA-SAPI. The coordination among government, parent company, and affiliated farmers is also part of the effort to build a sustainable partnership.
Through this program, the team aims to increase farmers’ capacity, utilize palm tree waste as animal feed, and implement data-driven livestock management. “In the long term, we hope that the system built will be able to operate independently, be replicated, and provide economic benefits to the farmers,” she said.
This program supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Author: Maia Chaerunnisa
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
