After the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Indonesia, cattle production experienced a drastic decline in both milk and meat. This has an impact on farmer productivity and economic turnover, so solutions are needed to deal with it. One of them is with adequate livestock and cage comfort.
With concern for farmers and the spirit to rise after FMD, Medion collaborated with PRISMA (a development partnership program between the governments of Australia and Indonesia) and GKSI (Gabungan Koperasi Susu Indonesia) to organize a seminar for GKSI members in East Java. East Java province was chosen because it is the largest dairy cattle center in Indonesia. This activity was held on November 21, 2023 in Malang and November 22, 2023 in Kediri. The total number of cooperatives present was 30 units.
The seminar was opened by the Chairman of GKSI East Java, Ir. H. Sulistiyanto, M.M. He said that post FMD only 10% of the national milk demand can be met by local milk. To survive and grow the business, cooperatives need to be open-minded to innovation, as well as the willingness to be able to implement good animal husbandry and health management practices. This was followed by the presentation of materials.
The first material was presented by the East Java Regional Commissioner of the Indonesian Cattle Veterinary Association (IDHSI), Sugeng Widodo, M. M. with the topic “Post FMD Recovery”. Feed plays an important role in the productivity of dairy cattle, namely high milk production and good milk quality. Quality feed can fulfill the nutritional needs of dairy cows both in quality (nutrient content), namely macro nutrients and micro nutrients in a balanced and complete manner. In addition, the quantity (amount of consumption) of nutrients must also be appropriate. However, the quality and quantity of dairy cattle feed in the field varies and fluctuates, which can cause livestock to experience nutritional deficiencies. The addition of the right premixes, supplements can help meet nutritional needs and optimize livestock productivity.
The second presentation was delivered by Lucky Ferdianto, Equipment Technical Consultant from Medion who discussed “Ideal Cage, Optimal Milk Production”. The environment in Indonesia with its tropical climate poses its own challenges for dairy cattle productivity. Comfort zones (temperature 13-25 degrees), humidity (40-60%) are required for cows to produce optimally, and this can be realized with the use of a cage ventilation system. The benefit of using this system is to reduce heat stress, Even distribution of wind, preventing livestock health problems, increasing milk production, and increasing profits. This was proven through one of the farmer testimonials, Siswadi. Through the use of the system, his cattle milk production increased by 22.5%. The participants were enthusiastic in participating in the activity because they got insight serta strategi baru untuk menghadapi masa recovery pasca wabah PMK.
This activity is one of the platforms provided by Medion for alumni sharing information and provide innovative and comprehensive solutions to FMD. It is hoped that the contribution and participation of various parties (customers and producers) can help restore cattle production in Indonesia consistently.
