Research Project

MAKASSAR, Indonesia Apr 12 2026 /ODFRG/–Dairy farming is not just about producing milk—it is about managing the health and performance of cows across different stages of lactation. A recent study published in the Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences (ResearchersLinks, 03 September 2024), titled “Performance, Physiological Status, and Heat Tolerance of Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows at Different Lactation Phases”, sheds light on how cows respond physiologically and metabolically during early, mid, and late lactation.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia Apr 12 2026 /ODFRG/–In the world of dairy farming, small changes in feed can make a big difference. A recent study published in Livestock Research for Rural Development (Fundación CIPAV, 1 December 2024), titled “Hormone prolactin concentration, milk production performance and milk quality of Holstein Friesian dairy cows supplementing the diet with various levels of mung bean sprouts”, reveals how a simple addition—mung bean sprouts—can enhance milk yield and quality while supporting sustainable farming.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia Apr 11 2026 /ODFRG/–Feeding dairy calves is more than just a routine—it is the foundation of future milk production and farmer livelihoods. Traditionally, elephant grass has been the go-to forage for Friesian Holstein calves. However, its nutritional limitations often hinder optimal growth. A recent study published in the Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences (ResearchersLinks, 20 January 2026), titled “Replacing Elephant Grass with Hydroponic Maize Fodder Improves Friesian Holstein Dairy Calves’ Growth Performance”, reveals how hydroponic maize fodder can revolutionize calf feeding practices.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia Apr 11 2026 /ODFRG/–For dairy farmers, the postpartum period in cows is both a time of promise and challenge. While milk production peaks, cows often face a condition called negative energy balance (NEB)—when their energy needs exceed what they get from feed. This can reduce milk yield, weaken reproductive health, and increase metabolic disorders. A recent study published in Veterinary World (Veterinary World, 21 August 2025), titled “Legume-based green concentrate alleviates negative energy balance and enhances performance, metabolic health, and profitability in postpartum Holstein Friesian cows”, offers a sustainable solution rooted in local resources.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia Apr 11 2026 /ODFRG/–Feeding livestock sustainably is one of the biggest challenges facing farmers today. With shrinking land for forage and rising costs of commercial feed, smallholder farmers often struggle to maintain productivity. A recent study published in the International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences (Unique Scientific, 28 July 2025), titled “An Alternative Forage for Animal Feed: Nutritional Quality and in Vitro Digestibility of Cassava Leaves (Manihot utilissima) Soaked in Bamboo Activated Charcoal”, offers a creative solution rooted in local resources.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia Apr 11 2026 /ODFRG/–Milk is more than just a drink—it is a livelihood for millions of smallholder farmers across the world. But producing high-quality milk requires more than cows; it requires smart feeding strategies. A recent study published in Livestock Research for Rural Development (The CIPAV Foundation, 1 December 2025), titled “Evaluation of various leguminous forages to enhance milk yield and quality in Friesian Holstein dairy cattle”, offers fresh insights into how local leguminous plants can transform dairy farming.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia Apr 11 2026 /ODFRG/–When we think about innovation in farming, we often imagine high-tech machinery or genetic engineering. Yet, sometimes the most powerful solutions come from local traditions. A recent study published in the CHILEAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias INIA, 4 April 2024), titled “Optimizing calf growth performance and nutrient digestibility with whey dangke-enriched green calf starter (fodder-based proteins) in Holstein Friesian”, shows how a traditional dairy by-product from Indonesia can transform livestock nutrition and sustainability.

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 area of grassland is not increasing in size but is narrowing due to competition with food-based land, conversion of productive land functions, global warming, and forage land has not become the main focus in livestock activities. This causes the availability of forage to be difficult to fulfill. Feed management as one of the pillars of feed security, is urgent and absolute to be implemented so that the need for fresh forage for cattle which is the main source of energy and crude fiber can be met. Mini elephant grass, Gama Umami elephant grass, and Pakchong elephant grass have good biomass and forage quality. However, the pasture capacity for these grasses is still not optimal. To increase pasture capacity, growth booster technology needs to be implemented. Growth booster is a natural growth agent
that can increase grass productivity up to two times. At the nursery production stage, natural growth regulators (ZPT) such as auxins play an important rolein the root growth process. This ZPT can stimulate root growth so that the rooting time of plants is faster. In addition, proper pasture management can affect forage production, quality and productivity. Utilization of Rhizobacteria through Plant-Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) can
stimulate plant growth, can improve defoliation quality and yield. However, this technology is only adopted in agriculture and plantations, while in forage feed its use has not been implemented, so this becomes interesting and is an opportunity for the Research Team to conduct this research. This research will be carried out for 3 years. The first year consists of two stages, namely the first stage is to produce a nursery of 3 types of grass, namely mini elephant grass, Pakchong grass, and Umami elephant grass by giving natural auxin ZPT treatment. The nursery with the best production on each HPT in the first stage will then be continued to the second stage, namely planting (demonstration plot test) by applying PGPR at different levels. Year Two: the best results in Year One research will then be tested for multi-location adaptation in 2 districts, namely Barru and Enrekang districts. Year Three: in-vivo testing of cattle by giving Super HPT from the second year of research in two districts, namely Barru and Enrekang Regencies. The outputs that will be produced in
this research are IPR in the form of Patents, and Reputable International Journals.

Mineral deficiencies, particularly a lack of Calcium (Ca), can have a detrimental effect on the performance of livestock, including dairy cows. While commercial sources of Ca are commonly used in dairy cow feed, they may not always be available or affordable. In this regard, introducing a new approach that utilizes eggshell meal as a natural source of Ca can not only improve milk yield and quality but also reduce waste. Therefore, we experimented to evaluate whether an eco-friendly eggshell meal could be a viable alternative source of Ca for Holstein Friesian dairy cows and improve milk yield and quality. We used 20 cows (ethical consideration No. 470/UN4.6.4.5.31/PP36/2023) that were experimented with different levels of eggshell meal in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications. The experimental diets were as follows; eggshell meal 0%+ commercial mineral 100% (EM0+ CM100); EM 25%+ CM 75%; EM 50%+ CM 50%; EM 75%+ CM 25%; and EM 100%+ CM 0%. The results showed that the eco-friendly eggshell meal as a source of Ca increased the milk yield by up to 100%. The intake of dry matter and milk quality, such as pH, density, CP, and P, had a similar effect on commercial minerals. Therefore, eggshell meal could effectively replace commercial mineral supplements in the diets of Holstein Friesian dairy cows. Not only does this approach lead to increased milk yield and Ca content in the milk, but it also has the potential to reduce waste in eggshell production. By utilizing eggshell meal as a raw material for mineral source feed, dairy farmers can promote environmental sustainability and improve the efficiency of the dairy sector.

The production of urea molasses multinutrient block (UMMB) typically involves cement and molasses. However, prolonged use of cement can lead to health issues in livestock, while molasses is often in short supply due to its extensive use as a raw material in various industries. Thus, alternative materials are highly needed as substitutes for both cement and molasses. This study assesses the effects of using cocoa pulp as filler and tapioca meal as an adhesive in UMMB production on Holstein Friesian dairy cows’ performance, milk yield, and milk quality. The experiment applied a complete randomized design (CRD) with three treatments, namely without UMMB supplementation (T0 as control), supplementation with 500g of regular UMMB (T1), and supplementation with 500g of UMMB made with cocoa pulp and tapioca meal (T2). Each treatment had five replications. The results indicated that UMMB supplementation significantly affected (p < 0.05) forage dry matter intake (DMI), total DMI, milk fat, and milk viscosity. Up to 50% of the molasses and cement used in UMMB production can be replaced with cocoa pulp and tapioca meal without reducing the final product’s physical quality. Substitution of molasses filler and cement adhesive with cocoa pulp and tapioca meal
enhances forage DMI and total DMI while maintaining the yield and physical quality of milk in Holstein Friesian cows.

Milk production hinges on high-quality feed; minerals are indispensable in concentrate feed.
Eggshells, a readily available by-product, contain essential minerals like calcium (Ca),
phosphorous (P), and magnesium (Mg). Our study investigated eggshell meal as a mineral
source for dairy cows. We assessed different mineral sources\' impact on Holstein Friesian dairy
cows\' performance, blood Ca levels, and milk\'s macro mineral quality. The study employed a
completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments and 5 replicates, involving 15 Holstein
Friesian dairy cows aged 4–5 years with an average weight of ±500kg. Treatments included
commercial mineral source concentrate feed (T1), eggshell meal mineral source concentrate
feed (T2), and eggshell meal extract mineral source concentrate feed (T3). Parameters included
milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), blood Ca levels, and milk
quality. The study revealed that using eggshell meal significantly increased milk yield and FCE
compared to commercial minerals. However, there were no significant differences in blood Ca
levels, physical milk qualities (pH, specific gravity, and viscosity), chemical qualities (protein
and fat), and Mg content. The eggshell meal extract treatment showed milk\'s highest Ca, P,
and K content. In conclusion, our findings support using eggshell meal and extracts as a
valuable source of Ca minerals in dairy cow diets, providing a sustainable alternative to
traditional mineral supplements.

The productivity of Friesian Holstein (FH) cows in Indonesia is still low, this is influenced by the prolonged calving interval in post partum dairy cows resulting in low pregnancy success rates. One of the causes of low pregnancy success in dairy cows is reproductive tract disorders. Low pregnancy success rates can be overcome through improved feed and reproductive management to support increased population and productivity of dairy cows. Feed management that can be done is by providing additional feed of mung bean sprouts which have a high protein content. Mung bean sprouts have the potential to improve nutritional adequacy in livestock because they are rich in protein sources, vitamins, and minerals. The purpose of this study was to improve the reproductive physiology of FH dairy cows supplemented with mung bean sprouts at different levels. A total of 16 lactating dairy cows aged 4-5 years with a lactation period of 1-4 months. This study used a completely randomised design (CRD) with 4 treatments for each of the 4 replicates: Supplementation of mung bean sprouts 0% of concentrate (P0); Supplementation of mung bean sprouts 5% of concentrate (P1); Supplementation of mung bean sprouts 10% of concentrate (P2); Supplementation of mung bean sprouts 15% of concentrate (P3). Parameters observed were physiological responses (heart rate, respiration frequency, rectal temperature, and skin surface temperature), haematological values (HR, SDP, Hb, Ht, and platelets), and reproductive physiology (behaviour, vulva condition, speed of lambing, duration of lambing, and estrogen concentration). The results of this study showed that physiological responses had a significant effect (P<0.05) on rectal temperature but no effect (P>0.05) on heart rate, respiration frequency, and skin surface temperature. Haematological values had a significant effect (P<0.05) on platelets but no effect (P>0.05) on red blood cells (HR), white blood cells (SDP), haemoglobin (Hb), and haematocrit (Ht). In reproductive physiology, there was a significant effect (P<0.05) on oestrogen concentration but no effect (P>0.05) on behaviour, vulval condition, estrus speed, and estrus duration. The conclusion of this study is that supplementation of mung bean sprouts at different levels on physiological responses (heart rate, respiration frequency, and skin surface temperature) has no effect but can increase rectal temperature, haematological values (HR, SDP, Hb, and Ht) has no effect but decreases platelets, and reproductive physiology (estrus behaviour, vulva condition, estrus speed, and estrus duration) has no effect but can increase estrogen hormone concentration.

This research evaluated the impact of feeding green calf starter fortified with whey-dangke on Holstein Friesian dairy calves\' Health parameters and Economic Feasibility. Experimental diets were applied to 18 Holstein Friesian dairy calves using a randomized complete factorial design with two factors: type of calf starter and level fortification of whey-dangke. The results showed that calves fed different types of calf starter, the level of whey-dangke fortification, and the interaction between the two factors had no significant effect (P>0.05) on physiological, hematological, and blood biochemical. However, the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) parameter had an interaction; the ALT values in the green calf starter treatment fortified with 5% whey-dangke exhibited a highly significant difference (P<0.01) compared to the green calf starter treatment fortified with 2.5% whey-dangke, as well as the conventional green calf starter fortified with both 2.5% and 5% whey-dangke. The level of whey-dangke fortified significantly affected ADG, FCR, and feed cost per unit of gain (p<0.05). The use of whey-dangke was able to increase ADG and decrease FCR and feed cost per unit of gain. In addition, physiological, hematological, and blood biochemical profile values of Holstein Friesian Friesian dairy calves remained within the normal range when fed whey-dangke-fortified green calf starter.

Negative energy balance (NEB) is common in early lactation dairy cows, significantly impacting the performance and metabolism of Friesian Holstein (FH) dairy cows. Feeding green concentrate is an effective strategy to prevent NEB due to its high protein content and palatability. This study aims to assess the effects of green concentrate on the physiological status and metabolic blood profile of dairy cows. Utilizing a completely randomized design (CRD), the study included three treatments with six replications: Commercial Concentrate (CC), Green Concentrate Formulation-1 (GCF1), and Green Concentrate Formulation-2 (GCF2). This research suggests that farmers can utilize green concentrate as an effective measure to mitigate NEB and as a cost-effective substitute for commercial concentrates, ultimately contributing to the improved welfare of dairy farmers.

Common calf starters often contain fish meal as a primary protein source; however, the strong odor of fish meal is used to hinder calves from consuming the feed, so it needs to be replaced with other protein sources. Hence, this research aims to optimize calf growth performance and nutrient digestibility with whey-dangke enriched green calf starter (fodder-based proteins) in Holstein Friesian. Holstein Friesian dairy calves were distributed into a completely randomized design to assess the impact of two key factors: the type of concentrate feed (common feed, T0 versus green calf starter, T1) and the proportion of whey-dangke: 0% whey-dangke + 5% water of body weight (W0); 2.5% whey-dangke + 2.5% water of body weight (W1); and 5% whey-dangke + 0% water from body weight (W2). The use of common calf starter with green calf starter was significantly different (P<0.01) on crude protein digestibility, energy digestibility, and feed conversion ratio and significantly different (P<0.05) on daily weight gain. In addition, the whey-dangke level also showed a very significant effect (P<0.01) on crude protein digestibility, energy digestibility, and IGF-1 hormone levels and significantly different (P<0.05) on shoulder height and body length. Feeding the green and common calf starter with enriched whey-dangke further improves the growth performance of the calves compared to no enrichment.