Indonesia
Master’s students in Animal Husbandry at Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) are strengthening livestock farmers’ management following the FMD outbreak that struck in mid-2022. Yustian Dwi Cahyo delivered the training on October 19, 2022, at Gerih Hamlet, Tawangsari Village, Pujon District.
Management strengthening is part of the “Master’s in Community Service” program, a mandatory activity for postgraduate students. This program aims to foster community-oriented character development through fields of study that students are passionate about and have dedicated themselves to.
This location was chosen because it has a significant cattle population, with approximately 581 dairy cows. Gerih Hamlet is also one of the areas affected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
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This disease attacks cloven-hoofed animals such as goats, sheep, pigs, as well as beef cattle and dairy cows. It has a very high transmission rate as it can spread through the air.
This disease, which emerged in early May 2022, has highly complex effects, particularly affecting dairy cows in terms of reduced milk production.
Yustian poses for a photo with farmers after a livestock management training session
The Master’s in Community Service program collaborates with all segments of society, including the SAE Pujon Cooperative, an organization that supports dairy farmers and PT Nestlé, a dairy processing company that plays a key role in milk marketing.
During this activity, students also distributed disinfectants and medications to treat mastitis caused by FMD.
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Yustian Dwi Cahyo, a master’s candidate in animal husbandry, provided guidance on the management of dairy cows following an FMD outbreak to the farmers. This third-semester student also facilitated a discussion between the farmers and the academic staff present. The exchange of ideas was intended to re-motivate the farmers so that national milk self-sufficiency can be restored once this pandemic ends. (MHS/AL/PPS)
