Utilisation of Agricultural Waste as Supplementary Feed for Ruminants in Kuta Karang Community, Aceh Besar

Abstract

Feed availability remains a major constraint in large ruminant farming at the smallholder level. On the other hand, agricultural by-products such as rice straw, rice bran, tofu waste, and coconut cake have significant potential as alternative feed resources. This community service activity aimed to enhance farmers' knowledge and skills in utilising agricultural waste as supplementary feed for large ruminants. The activity was conducted in Gampong Kuta Karang, Darul Imarah District, Aceh Besar Regency, using a case study approach. The implementation stages included preliminary observation, counselling, training, practical demonstrations, and evaluation through pre- and post-tests. The data were analysed using descriptive quantitative methods, including mean values, percentage increases, and interpretation of changes in participants’ knowledge. The results showed a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge after the training program, as indicated by an increase in the average score from 52.6 (pre-test) to 82.6 (post-test), with an average gain of 30 points (±57%). This finding indicates that the applied methods, combining counselling, hands-on training, and mentoring, were effective in facilitating knowledge transfer and technology adoption among participants. In addition, participants demonstrated improved understanding of the types of agricultural waste, simple processing techniques, and the economic benefits of using such waste as livestock feed. Overall, this activity highlights that the utilisation of agricultural waste can serve as an alternative solution to support feed availability, improve farming efficiency, and promote sustainable livestock production systems at the community level.