UNAIR Faculty of Veterinary Medicine introduces silage feed technology and marketing strategies to dairy farmers

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) recently conducted a community service event titled “Feed Management Improvement with Green Feed Processing Technology & Marketing Strategies for Dairy Cattle Post-FMD.” Held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, in Carangwulung Village, Wonosalam, Jombang, the program is aimed at local dairy farmers.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Sri Hidanah, the Head of FKH community service initiative. In her opening remarks, she hoped that the program would help farmers understand both food processing techniques and livestock product marketing strategies.

“Through this event, we hope all participants gain a better understanding of food processing and marketing techniques for livestock products. We will also provide further assistance with marketing,” she said.

Community service highlights

The program featured several sessions, each led by experts: Dr. Mohammad Anam Al Arif, Dr. Ira Sari Yudaniayanti, and Dr. Fatin Fadhilah Hasib. Dr. Emy Koestanti also participated, initiating a discussion on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other livestock health issues.

Dr. Mohammad Anam Al Arif began the presentations with an in-depth explanation of silage feed technology. The second session, led by Dr. Ira Sari Yudaniayanti, covered various causes of foot-and-mouth disease in livestock. The third session, presented by Dr. Fatin Fadhilah Hasib, focused on marketing dairy products.

Furthermore, the UNAIR team demonstrated proper silage-making techniques. Dr. Mohammad Anam Al Arif, along with a team of students, led the practical demonstration, which was observed by the attending farmers. Dr. Arif emphasized that proper silage-making practices significantly impact the quality of livestock and their products.

The community warmly welcomed the event, held at the Segunung Traditional Village Hall. Twenty-five residents and farmers attended. Widi Asmoro from the Anjasmoro Village Cooperative Unit (KUD) in Carangwulung represented the community’s and farmers’ responses.

In addition to Widi Asmoro, resident Gatot Sunarto expressed his appreciation for the FKH community service program. He found the event particularly helpful in terms of feed processing and livestock disease prevention. “This event has been very beneficial; my knowledge about cattle feed processing and disease prevention has increased. Many factors affect livestock health,” Sunarto said.