MAKASSAR, Indonesia Apr 11 2026 /ODFRG/–When we think about sustainability, our minds often go to forests, oceans, or renewable energy. Yet, sustainability can also begin in the barnyard. A fascinating study published in the American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Science Publications, 20 January 2025), titled “Economic Feasibility and Growth Performance of Holstein Friesian Calves Fed Whey-Dangke Fortified Green Calf Starter”, shows how innovative feeding practices can help farmers raise healthier calves while keeping costs manageable.
The research, conducted in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, tested the impact of adding whey-dangke—a local dairy by-product—to calf starter feed. Whey-dangke is produced during the making of dangke, a traditional soft cheese from Enrekang Regency. Instead of being discarded, this nutrient-rich by-product was fortified into calf feed. The results were striking: calves fed whey-dangke fortified starter showed improved growth rates, better feed efficiency, and lower feeding costs. Importantly, their health indicators remained within normal ranges, proving the feed was safe and effective.
This innovation directly supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty. Livestock farming is a lifeline for millions of rural families. By using affordable, locally available feed ingredients, farmers can reduce expenses, increase productivity, and secure more stable incomes. Stronger calves grow into healthier dairy cows, which means more milk, more food security, and more opportunities for economic resilience.
The study also highlights how sustainability is not only about protecting the environment but also about empowering communities. By repurposing whey-dangke, farmers reduce waste and embrace responsible consumption and production. At the same time, they preserve cultural heritage by integrating traditional food practices into modern agricultural science. This blend of local wisdom and scientific innovation demonstrates that solutions to global challenges can come from grassroots creativity.
Beyond economics, the research connects to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Healthier calves mean healthier herds, which ultimately provide safer and more nutritious food for communities. The knowledge-sharing aspect of this study also resonates with SDG 4: Quality Education, as farmers who learn about sustainable feeding practices can spread this knowledge, creating cycles of innovation and empowerment.
What makes this study particularly inspiring is its practicality. It shows that sustainability doesn’t always require expensive technology. Sometimes, it’s about rethinking what we already have. Whey-dangke, once considered waste, is now a valuable resource that strengthens both calves and communities.
In conclusion, the article published on January 20, 2025, in the American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences offers more than just data on calf growth. It provides a roadmap for how livestock farming can contribute to poverty reduction, better health, and sustainable resource use. Feeding calves with whey-dangke fortified starter is more than a farming technique—it is a step toward feeding the future sustainably.
Reference:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajavsp.2025.159.170
Contact:
Prof. Ambo Ako
+62 852-5550-5411
amboako@yahoo.com
amboako@unhas.ac.id