Issues regarding mortality and abortion among dairy livestock have become a serious concern for farmers in RW 4 and RW 16, Sukaluyu Village, Pangalengan District. Many farmers have reported that their livestock become weak after giving birth, with some animals even dying. In response to this, Salma Nur Azizah, a student from the Faculty of Animal Science at UGM, introduced a solution, which is the production and use of mineral blocks for livestock, during her Community Service Program (KKN) from June to August 2025.
Through educational sessions and hands-on demonstrations, Salma introduced a simple, low-cost method for making mineral blocks using local ingredients such as salt, rice bran, molasses, and premix. These blocks help meet essential mineral needs that are often overlooked, particularly during lactation and the postpartum period. In addition to distributing the mineral blocks, Salma taught the farmers how to produce them independently to ensure long-term sustainability.
One of the farmers, Yuyun, noted significant changes in her sheep after they were regularly given the mineral blocks.
“Before, their coats were dull and their appetite was poor. But now, the sheep eat heartily, are calm, and look much healthier,” Yuyun said.
This positive response demonstrates that a simple, science-based approach can deliver tangible impacts within the community.
This initiative represents a contribution by UGM students toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). It is hoped that this program will strengthen the resilience of small-scale livestock farming while fostering self-reliance among farmers in maintaining the health and productivity of their livestock.
Original article: https://fapet.ugm.ac.id/mahasiswi-kkn-ugm-bantu-atasi-masalah-kesehatan-ternak-lewat-mineral-blok-di-sukaluyu/
Translated by: Sarah Suminar