Increased efficiency of agricultural waste

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 75 views

Introduction

The use of silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms has been gaining attention in recent years as a potential solution to improve the efficiency of animal husbandry in Indonesia. This study aims to explore the effect of silage based on fermented corn plant waste using local microorganisms on the percentage of local male sheep carcasses. The study was conducted at the Livestock Biology Laboratory, Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, from May to August 2018.

Methodology

The experimental design used was a complete random design (RAL) with four treatments and five replications. As many as 20 local lambs that have an initial weight of an average of 11.2 ± 0.4 kg/head were the subjects in this study. The treatment applied to the male sheep was the variation of the level of corn wastewater silage as follows:

P1 (20% silage and 80% corn waste): This treatment consisted of 20% silage and 80% corn waste.
P2 (40% silage and 60% corn waste): This treatment consisted of 40% silage and 60% corn waste.
P3 (60% silage and 40% waste corn): This treatment consisted of 60% silage and 40% waste corn.
P4 (80% silage and 20% corn waste): This treatment consisted of 80% silage and 20% corn waste.

The parameters examined include cutting weight, empty body weight, carcass weight, and carcass percentage.

Results

The results showed that the average weight of local male sheep in the treatment of P1, P2, P3, and P4 was 16.07 kg, 15.89 kg, 15.87 kg, and 16.20 kg per head, respectively. For empty body weight, the average obtained was 9.72 kg, 9.69 kg, 9.70 kg, and 9.59 kg per head, respectively. Meanwhile, the weight of carcass sheep in the treatment was 5.43 kg, 5.36 kg, 5.35 kg, and 5.48 kg per head, respectively. The percentage of sheep carcass obtained respectively was 55.83%, 55.27%, 55.13%, and 57.20%.

Discussion

Statistical analysis shows that the use of corn waste-based silage with local microorganisms as feed has a significant effect on cutting weight, carcass weight, and the percentage of local male sheep carcasses. However, this treatment does not show a significant effect on empty body weight.

The use of corn waste-based silage with local microorganisms as feed has several benefits, including:

Increased efficiency of agricultural waste: The use of corn waste-based silage can increase the efficiency of agricultural waste, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Improved animal productivity: The use of corn waste-based silage can improve animal productivity, increasing the weight and quality of meat produced.
Positive contribution to food security: The use of corn waste-based silage can contribute to food security by increasing the availability of meat and other animal products.
Sustainability of animal husbandry: The use of corn waste-based silage can contribute to the sustainability of animal husbandry by reducing the environmental impact of animal production.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this study is that silage based on corn waste fermented with local microorganisms can be used as an alternative to substitute feed in concentrates given to livestock. This is very useful, especially in urban areas where access to fresh forage may be difficult to obtain. The application of this method can not only increase the efficiency of the use of agricultural waste, but also has the potential to increase local sheep productivity, make a positive contribution to food security, and the sustainability of animal husbandry in Indonesia.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research: Further research is expected to explore the long-term impact of this silage-based feed as well as the potential for use on other types of livestock.
Scalability: The use of corn waste-based silage should be scaled up to larger farms and commercial operations to increase its impact and efficiency.
Policy support: Policy support is needed to promote the use of corn waste-based silage and other sustainable animal husbandry practices in Indonesia.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was small, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Limited treatment options: The treatment options used in this study were limited, which may not fully capture the potential benefits of corn waste-based silage.
Short study period: The study period was short, which may not fully capture the long-term impact of corn waste-based silage.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on:

Long-term impact: The long-term impact of corn waste-based silage on animal productivity and sustainability should be explored.
Scalability: The scalability of corn waste-based silage should be explored to increase its impact and efficiency.
Policy support: Policy support should be explored to promote the use of corn waste-based silage and other sustainable animal husbandry practices in Indonesia.

Q: What is silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms?

A: Silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms is a type of feed that uses fermented corn plant waste as a substitute for traditional feed concentrates. The fermentation process is carried out using local microorganisms, which helps to break down the complex nutrients in the corn plant waste, making them more easily digestible for livestock.

Q: What are the benefits of using silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms?

A: The benefits of using silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms include:

Increased efficiency of agricultural waste: The use of corn waste-based silage can increase the efficiency of agricultural waste, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Improved animal productivity: The use of corn waste-based silage can improve animal productivity, increasing the weight and quality of meat produced.
Positive contribution to food security: The use of corn waste-based silage can contribute to food security by increasing the availability of meat and other animal products.
Sustainability of animal husbandry: The use of corn waste-based silage can contribute to the sustainability of animal husbandry by reducing the environmental impact of animal production.

Q: How is silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms made?

A: Silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms is made by collecting corn plant waste and fermenting it using local microorganisms. The fermentation process involves adding water to the corn plant waste and allowing it to sit for a period of time, during which the microorganisms break down the complex nutrients in the waste.

Q: What are the advantages of using local microorganisms in silage feed production?

A: The advantages of using local microorganisms in silage feed production include:

Increased efficiency: Local microorganisms are more efficient at breaking down complex nutrients in corn plant waste, resulting in a higher-quality feed.
Reduced costs: Using local microorganisms can reduce the costs associated with importing microorganisms from other regions.
Improved sustainability: Using local microorganisms can contribute to the sustainability of animal husbandry by reducing the environmental impact of animal production.

Q: Can silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms be used for all types of livestock?

A: Silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms can be used for a variety of livestock, including sheep, goats, and cattle. However, the specific type of livestock and their nutritional needs should be taken into account when using this type of feed.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with using silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms?

A: The potential risks associated with using silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms include:

Contamination: The fermentation process can be contaminated with pathogens, which can affect the quality and safety of the feed.
Nutrient imbalance: The fermentation process can result in an imbalance of nutrients in the feed, which can affect the health and productivity of the livestock.
Environmental impact: The use of corn waste-based silage can have an environmental impact, particularly if the waste is not properly managed.

Q: How can I get started with using silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms?

A: To get started with using silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms, you can:

Consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist: Consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to determine the best type of feed for your livestock and to ensure that the feed is safe and nutritious.
Research local microorganisms: Research local microorganisms that can be used for fermentation and ensure that they are safe and effective.
Develop a plan for managing corn waste: Develop a plan for managing corn waste, including collection, storage, and disposal.

Q: What are the future directions for silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms?

A: The future directions for silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms include:

Scaling up production: Scaling up production to meet the demands of larger farms and commercial operations.
Improving efficiency: Improving the efficiency of the fermentation process to reduce costs and increase the quality of the feed.
Expanding to other types of livestock: Expanding the use of silage feed based on corn plant waste using local microorganisms to other types of livestock, such as pigs and chickens.