[MBKM-PkM] The Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) Community Service Program team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, led by Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng., along with four students Avila Kusuma W, Daimeera Anja, Shanaz Dhiya’ul Haq, and Syahidina has been conducting socialization and mentoring sessions with “Shobaru” livestock farmers in Condong Catur Village, Sleman, Yogyakarta, from October to November 2023.
The mentoring aimed to improve the quality of the local chicken eggs through the provision of fermented feed. The quality of these eggs is enhanced compared to those from non-fermented feed. The local chicken eggs have a richer taste and a stronger yolk color due to their high β-carotene content. This improvement is attributed to the higher nutritional content and better digestibility of fermented feed for the poultry. Moreover, providing fermented feed increases the animals’ appetite while reducing the odor from their waste. Additionally, fermented feed serves as a cost-effective alternative to commercial feed, which tends to be more expensive. The team also conducted socialization and mentoring on branding and online marketing of the local chicken eggs through social media platforms, including guidance on managing social media accounts. Packaging the local chicken eggs with branding has expanded their market reach, allowing consumers to locate and contact the local chicken egg farmers, thereby increasing the product’s visibility.
Through the MBKM Community Service activities by the Faculty of Biology, UGM, the “Shobaru” livestock farmers have seen improvements in both the quality of their egg products and their marketing strategies. This has led to sustained economic prosperity for the community while also contributing to environmental preservation.