Synthesis and Characterization of Ruminant Feed Based on Palm Kernel Cake Using EM4 Fermentation Method

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of cassava as an adhesive and the use of palm kernel meal as a concentrate and the addition of other ingredients on the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of food ingredients in the form of pellets. The animal feed was made by mixing palm kernel meal, tofu dregs, rice bran, and cassava with a percentage of (68,5 : 15,75 : 5,25 : 10,5)% and mixing molasses and EM 4 in a ration 1 : 1. The test samples were made by going through the stages of weighing, chopping, mixing, fermentation, drying, and molding into pellets. The results showed that the animal feed mixture had a specific gravity of 1.70 gr/mL, porosity of 29.05%, water absorption of 72.62%, pellet hardness of 4.85%, and brittleness with 4.92%. Animal feed pellets have a brownish color and a normal smell like the smell of animal feed pellets in general. The fermentation process was carried out for 8 days until it reached a maturity temperature of 38.44°C. Based on the proximate analysis, it was found that the animal feed contained 10.50% protein, 2.30% total fat, 22.80% crude fiber, 28.50% carbohydrate, 3.00% ash content and 32.90% moisture content. This animal feed pellet with palm kernel meal concentrate and cassava adhesive can be used as an alternative to cattle feed as an energy source feed, because it has a protein content of less than 20%.