Through the Cow Complete Program, the Behavioral Accounting Research Group, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) conducted a community service program at Subur Lestari cattle breeders in Pandeyan Village, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, on Friday, April 15, 2022.

The Community Service Team, led by Taufiq Arifin, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., Ak., with its Cow Complete Feed Program, provided assistance to cattle breeders through the dissemination of a thorough and nutritionally beneficial animal feed production, including a machinery grant in the form of feed mixer machines.

Complete Nutrition Cattle Feed Production using the Mixer Machine

The activity, which took place at the Multipurpose Building of the Communal Cowshed in Pandeyan Village, was attended by representatives of the Communal Cowshed members due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. These representatives will further share the material with other breeders on the use of the mixer machines and feed production.

Prior to the community training, the team conducted interviews and discussions with the cattle farmer association. The team observed the lack of knowledge among the members regarding the nutritional needs through proper feed, particularly the Subur Lestari cattle farmer in Pandeyan Village.

Based on the discussion result, the most crucial issue to address initially was the equipment procurement and knowledge extension for complete nutrition cattle feed production. This was related to concerns raised by the members of the cattle farmer group regarding feed supplies during periods of scarcity or non-harvest seasons. The discussions also revealed a strong desire for improving the nutrition of their cattle to nurture healthier and economically valuable cattle.

Processed feed (left), representative breeders participating in the counseling (right)

The service team further discussed the most feasible solutions for the emerging problems faced by the farmers. Their first step was to place an order for the feed mixer machine, based on the suggestion of most members who believed that the machine would aid in feed production. Subsequently, the team provided counseling on the production of nutritionally beneficial animal feed.

The team hopes that providing the machine and conducting effective counseling will result in increased knowledge among the livestock group members about producing quality feed that benefits their cattle’s health and adds economic value to their cattle.

Evaluation results showed that the majority of breeders were satisfied and gained valuable experience in managing cattle feed. They also expressed their gratitude for receiving a machine that aids in producing cattle feed.

The next recommended step for the following community service program is providing counseling on marketing cattle feed that can be sold to external parties. This, of course, requires additional capital as some feed ingredients must be purchased, while the rest may come from leftover harvest waste, which is not always available throughout the season.