bio.fsm.undip.ac.id. Dr. Kasiyati, a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Biology, FSM Undip, has successfully conducted groundbreaking research that introduces a significant innovation in hybrid duck farming. The study, titled “Moringa Leaf Flour as Feed Additive to Enhance Growth and Reduce Off-Odor Intensity in Hybrid Duck Meat,” engaged 10 undergraduate students and 1 postgraduate student over two research periods.
The primary objective of the research was to evaluate the use of moringa leaf flour as a feed additive to boost growth and decrease the off-odor intensity in hybrid duck meat. Local ducks in Indonesia, known for their dual-purpose as egg layers and meat producers, face challenges such as slow growth, low meat production, and inefficient feed use. To address this, hybrid ducks, a crossbreed of Pekin ducks from China and local Indonesian ducks, were developed, showing superior potential in intensive meat production.
Moringa leaf flour was chosen as a feed additive due to its rich content of essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins (A, D, E, C, and B), minerals (Ca, K, Fe, Mg, Na), fiber, and phytochemicals (flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, etc.). These components play a crucial role in supporting the growth of hybrid ducks. Moreover, the antioxidants in moringa leaf flour, such as flavonoids and phenols, aid in reducing the off-odor intensity in duck meat.
Dr. Kasiyati and her research team discovered that adding 5% moringa leaf flour as a feed additive could increase the live weight of 7-week-old hybrid ducks by 2,800 grams. Consumer acceptance of duck meat also improved as the off-odor intensity decreased. The addition of 5% moringa leaf flour hindered the oxidation of fatty acids, consequently reducing the off-odor intensity in hybrid duck meat. The antioxidants in moringa leaf flour played a crucial role in inhibiting the oxidation of fatty acids in duck meat.
Dr. Kasiyati, known for her close collaboration with biology students, has generated a significant contribution to the advancement of science and technology in the Department of Biology at FSM Undip. Her familiarity with her research team has resulted in a vital work that addresses both economic and health aspects of duck farming.
Congratulations to Dr. Kasiyati, and the community eagerly anticipates her future innovations for the progress of the nation.
