Synthesis and Characterization of Indigofera Zollingeriana Plant-Based Ruminant Feed Using EM 4 Fermentation Method

Abstract

This study aimed to produce ruminant feed pellets using Indigofera zollingeriana as the main ingredient, along with coconut pulp, rice bran, molasses, cassava, and EM 4 as additional components. The objective was to investigate the impact of optimizing animal feed pellets made from Indigofera zollingeriana and various mixed ingredients, such as rice bran, coconut pulp, cassava, molasses, and EM 4, by using the EM 4 fermentation method on the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the animal feed pellets. The animal feed was prepared by blending Indigofera zollingeriana, coconut pulp, rice bran, and cassava in the proportion of (55.81% : 22.1% : 14.73% : 7.365%), along with molasses and EM 4 in a 1:1 ratio. The test samples were produced by weighing, pulverizing, mixing, fermenting, drying, and molding into pellets. The findings showed that the animal feed pellets made with Indigofera zollingeriana plant concentrate had physical properties that did not meet the standard values, such as specific gravity (1.96 gr/mL), porosity (8.84%), water absorption (68.76%), maturity temperature (38ºC), and solubility in water (4.36%). However, the animal feed pellets had a brownish color and a normal smell, similar to other animal feeds. In terms of mechanical properties, the values for hardness (5.002%) and brittleness (1.53%) met the standard values for animal feed pellets. Regarding chemical properties based on proximate analysis, the animal feed contained 8.22% protein, 6.78% total fat, 26.4% crude fiber, 17.4% carbohydrates, 7.50% ash content, and 33.7% moisture content. Only the ash content met the SNI 3148-2:2017 standard. Thus, the quality of these animal feed pellets needs improvement.