AGCOTECH Australia in collaboration with its research partners Nestlé Indonesia and University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) are conducting a study on utilising medicated molasses supplements to improve dairy cow productivity and reduce methane emissions.
These cows provide fresh milk to Nestlé Indonesia.
Agcotech Australia CEO Andrew Mason said his company was very pleased to work with its partners in Indonesia to improve the productivity of dairy cows owned by smallholder farmers in the Malang district of East Java.
“Our team includes Emeritus Professor Peter Windsor (University of Sydney) alongside rumen nutrition specialist, RMIT Adjunct Professor Julian Hill,” Mr Mason said.
“This is a great opportunity to work together with Nestlé and UMM to begin our journey to improve dairy cows’ productivity and reduce carbon emissions in the dairy sector in East Java.”
Jean-Luc de Vuyst, the operational director of Nestlé Indonesia said: “We hope that the medicated molasses supplements can boost milk production of dairy cows, and therefore will improve the livelihood of dairy farmers and sustained our partnership.
“The study is also aligned with Nestlé activities in improving farming practices to increase productivity, quality of fresh milk production, and at the same time preserving the environment for future generation.”
Listiari Hendraningsih from the International Office of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) said the university was happy to support the study on the usage of medicated molasses supplement in Malang.
“We believe their involvement in the study will provide valuable knowledge and real experience for their students.”
There are 10 UMM students involved in the study and will join the dairy farmers in their day-to-day activities.
“UMM hopes that this project will be a good starting point for the university to improve students’ competency in professional school of ruminant and make contribution to the industry,” Listiari Hendraningsih said.
