The Postgraduate Student Association (HMP) of Faculty of Animal Science UGM held a joint public lecture with students from the Faculty of Animal Science IPB University on Saturday (7/20). The event was attended by 30 students from Faculty of Animal Science UGM and 23 students from Faculty of Animal Science IPB University, including international students from Malaysia and the Philippines. This first-time event focused on the main topic of dairy nutrition. It was part of the 8th Summer Course program organized by Department of Nutrition and Feed Technology Faculty of Animal Science IPB University, in collaboration with Postgraduate Student Association Faculty of Animal Science UGM.
“This first-time event focuses on discussing dairy nutrition,” said Ir. Dimas Hand Vidya Paradhipta, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPP, the lecturer in charge of the event.
Raihan Dary Hasnanda, S.Pt., representing Postgraduate Student Association Faculty of Animal Science UGM stated that this activity could serve as a platform for networking and collaboration between the two universities and provide an excellent learning medium for students.
Dimas added that the event aimed to strengthen the collaboration between UGM and IPB University. Presenters at the public lecture included Dr. Abdul Shakor Chaudhry from Newcastle University and Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Suwignyo, S.Pt, MP, IPM, ASEAN Eng. from Faculty of Animal Science UGM.
In his presentation, Bambang Suwignyo highlighted Indonesia’s position as the 14th largest country globally with 19.2 million goats, making it the only Southeast Asian country in the top 14 for goat population.
“In the ASEAN region, about 30 percent of goat ownership is in Indonesia,” said Bambang.
He also discussed the potential of the tropical alfalfa plant, which can enhance the quality of livestock eggs and milk. According to Bambang, tropical alfalfa benefits not only ruminants but also increases productivity, such as milk production and meat quality.
Tropical alfalfa initially grows slowly from seeds. However, after the first harvest and subsequent cuttings, it can grow 4-5 cm per day in the first two weeks.
Author: Satria
Translator: Prisilia Putri
Photo: Margiyono