Penyuluhan Pembuatan Silase sebagai Pakan Alternatif Ternak Kambing Domba di Desa Oirata Barat

Abstract

The availability of forage feed is unsustainable, particularly during the dry season, posing a major challenge for goat and sheep farmers in Oirata Barat Village, South Kisar District, Southwest Maluku Regency. This community service activity aimed to improve farmers’ knowledge and skills in producing fermented silage as an alternative feed during the dry season. The activity employed a participatory and educational approach through socialization, demonstrations, and hands-on silage production practices. The materials used included fresh forage (elephant grass, king grass, or corn stover), rice bran, molasses, and a fermentation starter (EM4). The production process consisted of chopping the forage, adjusting the moisture content to 60–70%, mixing the additional ingredients, compacting the mixture in plastic drums or buckets, sealing it under anaerobic conditions, and storing it for 21–30 days. The results showed that the participants acquired basic knowledge and practical skills in silage production and demonstrated high enthusiasm throughout the activity. Good-quality silage was characterized by a fresh acidic aroma, greenish-brown color, soft texture, absence of slime, and no visible mold. This activity represents an initial step toward introducing affordable and sustainable alternative feed technology to smallholder farmers. Further assistance is needed to ensure the independent adoption and continued application of the technology by farmers.