SDG 2: Zero Hunger

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Fermented Feather Meal Research for Fish Feed: The Potential of Sustainable Aquaculture

News Friday, 16 May 2025

A research team from the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has developed an innovation to utilize chicken feather waste as an alternative raw material for fish feed. While chicken feathers are commonly regarded as waste with no economic value, this research has proven that they can be processed into a valuable substitute for costly fish feed ingredients. The study, titled “Proximate and Amino Acid Analysis of Processed Chicken Feather Meal for Fish Feed,” focuses on enhancing the nutritional content of feather waste through fermentation and hydrolysis techniques.

The chicken feather waste was sourced from the Berbah Poultry Slaughterhouse in Sleman. The researchers applied fermentation using probiotics and chemical hydrolysis to break down keratin structures using hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. The resulting feather meal was analyzed through proximate testing to determine moisture, ash, fat, and protein content, while amino acid content was analyzed using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). These analyses were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the processing methods in improving the nutritional quality of the feed material.

The findings demonstrated that probiotic fermentation was the most effective method in enhancing the nutrient quality of the feather meal. The crude protein content reached 78.18%, marking a significant increase compared to other methods. Additionally, the levels of essential amino acids were promising, with isoleucine (14,763.26 µg/g), histidine (12,043.83 µg/g), glycine (326.51 µg/g), methionine (138.17 µg/g), arginine (33,321.63 µg/g), phenylalanine (22,815.65 µg/g), and leucine (44,511.41 µg/g). These results highlight the high potential of fermented feather meal as a high-quality protein source.

Beyond addressing livestock waste management, this research offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for aquaculture feed. Feed constitutes 60–70% of total fish farming production costs. By utilizing by-products such as fermented chicken feathers, economic efficiency can be improved without compromising feed quality or fish growth. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the biological performance of fish fed with this alternative, including parameters such as growth, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), digestibility, and fish health. Although the high nutritional value of the processed feathers has been established, protein digestibility remains a major challenge. The keratin structure in feathers is difficult for fish to digest, requiring advanced biotechnological approaches such as the use of specific microbes or more efficient proteolytic enzymes for keratin hydrolysis.

Dr. Desy Putri Handayani, S.Pi., one of the lead researchers, stated that utilizing waste or by-products as a feed resource is a strategic step toward reducing production costs in aquaculture. “However, the application of chicken feather meal requires long-term research due to its low digestibility. Approaches such as microbial fermentation or safer and more efficient enzymatic hydrolysis technologies are needed,” she explained. She further emphasized that although chicken feathers hold immense potential as a protein source, technical challenges must be scientifically addressed. This research received funding support from the Doctoral Competency Enhancement Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada. It reflects UGM’s commitment to fostering applied research innovation focused on sustainability and local resource empowerment. The study aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely Goal 2: Zero Hunger, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 14: Life Below Water.

Author: Annisa Yustisia
Editors: Nahla Alfiatunnisa, S.Pi., Dr. Mukti Aprian, S.Kel., M.Si. (Han)

Becoming a Master of Science Through Perseverance and an Unyielding Spirit: The Story of a Fisheries Science Graduate from UGM

News Friday, 16 May 2025

Yogyakarta – The postgraduate graduation ceremony at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) this time highlighted an inspiring figure from the Department of Fisheries. Ihda Khozainul Busyro, a graduate of the Master’s Program in Fisheries Science, successfully completed his studies with a unique and challenging research project. He investigated the allergenic potential of Anisakis, a parasitic worm commonly found in marine fish. The choice of this topic was driven by the importance of food safety issues, particularly the allergic reactions that may be triggered by Anisakis. Research on Anisakis allergens remains scarce in Indonesia, making this study highly novel and valuable.

The research journey of Ihda Khozainul Busyro—often called Khozin—was not an easy one. He began by developing a basic understanding of Anisakis and allergen concepts, as this topic was vastly different from his undergraduate research. The allergen detection process took considerable time and faced many obstacles. However, his persistence and determination eventually led to satisfying results. His success would not have been possible without the guidance of his academic supervisors, Mgs. Muh Prima Putra and Eko Setyobudi, and the support of his peers.

One of Khozin’s most memorable experiences during his studies was joining the UGM Fisheries Media Team. This activity gave him the opportunity to grow beyond the laboratory and expand his knowledge in science communication. Khozin emphasized that fisheries science contributes greatly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as the conservation of biological resources, blue economy development, technological innovation, and ocean-based food security. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in the industry while remaining open to opportunities in research or doctoral studies.

As advice to fellow master’s students, Khozin encourages them to stay motivated and persistent, especially when facing obstacles in their research. Engaging in discussions with peers can offer new perspectives and unexpected solutions. For him, every moment of the journey has shaped his character and taught him invaluable lessons, ultimately leading to his Master of Science degree. He hopes that UGM’s Master’s Program in Fisheries Science will continue to grow and become one of the leading programs at the national level.

Khozin’s research on Anisakis significantly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2: Zero Hunger – improving food safety in fishery products, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – identifying allergen risks in seafood for public health, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – promoting safe and responsible consumption and production of marine food, and SDG 14: Life Below Water – supporting the sustainable management of marine resources.

Author: Sheva Muhammad Althaf

Editor: Nahla Alfiatunnisa, S.Pi.

Bantul Marine and Fisheries Agency Collaborates with UGM for Technical Assistance in Fisheries and Salt Pond Demonstration Plots

News Monday, 21 April 2025

Yogyakarta, 21 April 2025 — The Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP) of Bantul Regency conducted an official visit to the Department of Fisheries, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This visit aimed to discuss a potential collaboration regarding technical assistance for the development of fisheries and salt pond demonstration plots along the coastal areas of Bantul.

This meeting was a follow-up to DKP Bantul’s formal request for UGM’s support in several strategic programs. These include pilot demonstration plots for lobster seedling (BBL) nursery trials, vannamei shrimp and milkfish grow-out, and salt pond management. These programs are designed to enhance the welfare of coastal communities, particularly in anticipation of the completion of the South-South route, which is expected to spur economic growth in coastal regions.

DKP Bantul expressed high appreciation for the positive response from the Department of Fisheries UGM and hopes that the collaboration will yield not only tangible results in the field but also be grounded in the latest science and technology. As an initial step, DKP Bantul has appointed Anes Dwi Jayanti, S.Pi., M.Agr., a fisheries lecturer at UGM, as one of the expert team members to support the implementation of these initiatives. Anes Dwi Jayanti is expected to serve as a liaison to coordinate further with other lecturers and researchers from the Department of Fisheries in this transdisciplinary collaboration.

Anes Dwi Jayanti, S.Pi., M.Agr., remarked that serving as an expert team member is certainly a significant responsibility due to the broad scope of activities involved. However, the collaborative spirit among the Department of Fisheries team will be a key strength in delivering comprehensive and impactful assistance. The Department of Fisheries UGM reaffirmed its readiness to provide cross-disciplinary support teams as part of its institutional commitment to promoting research- and technology-based regional development.

This collaboration is expected to strengthen ties between higher education institutions and local governments. The programs are designed to ensure that development policies and activities within communities are supported by scientific data and sustainable applied approaches. Directly, the initiative also supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1 (No Poverty) by increasing coastal community incomes, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by boosting local fisheries and food production, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by generating employment and promoting local economies, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through sustainable aquaculture, and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) via responsible, science-based marine resource management.

Author: Galuh Wulanuari
Editor: Dr. Mukti Aprian, S.Kel., M.Si.(Han)