Indonesian researchers have developed a new poultry feed made from a mix of sago and cassava, proving to be as effective as corn. The “corn analogue” promises lower costs, easing the financial burden on local farmers and potentially stabilising chicken prices across the country.
A group of Indonesian researchers claimed that a mix of sago and cassava has been proved as a viable alternative to corn in feeding chickens. The new product can mitigate the rise in feed costs, which has been plaguing the poultry industry in the country during the last year.
Successful laboratory trials
Under the laboratory trials, native chickens fed with a mix of sago and cassava, described by scientists as “corn analogue”, perform just as well as those fed with conventional corn feed.
Nutritional value and cost
The corn analogue has reportedly similar nutritional value, but with a lower cost, it would provide significant support to local poultry farmers.
Cheaper feed costs will reduce chicken production prices, so consumers can also get more affordable prices.” — Dr Heri Ahmad Sukria
Heavy dependence on corn
“About 50% of poultry feed comes from corn. Indonesia cannot yet meet its national corn needs from domestic production and is currently not allowed to import,” Dr Heri Ahmad Sukria, a lecturer at the Faculty of Animal Science at IPB University, and the project head, has revealed.
Rising corn prices
As a result, corn prices continue to rise, reaching a minimum of Rp 5,500 ($0.34 per kg). Even in months outside the harvest season, corn prices can reach Rp 7.000 ($0.43) per kg in some areas, especially in remote areas or islands. “This has a direct impact on the high price of chicken feed and chicken prices in the market,” he explained.
Sago has great potential as an energy source for animal feed to replace corn.” — Dr Heri Ahmad Sukria
Global comparison
Unlike countries such as the United States and Europe, which use a variety of materials as sources of feed energy, Indonesia is still very dependent on corn.
Sago potential in Papua
According to researchers, Indonesia has around 5 million ha of sago plantation in the Papua region.
“Sago can be harvested directly from sago plants, but we must pay attention to the environmental balance of the sago plantation area, so it has great potential as an energy source for animal feed to replace corn,” he said.
Cassava varieties for feed
In addition, researchers have developed new cassava varieties that could be effectively used in feeding poultry.
“To make cassava an economical feed material, its productivity must reach a minimum of 40 tons per hectare, and several superior varieties from IPB University are currently able to meet this target,” he said.
Government funding support
This year, the project has received funding from the Community Empowerment Program, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia for wider promotion of the new product among farmers.
Affordable prices for farmers
“With a larger production scale, corn analogue is expected to be a proper solution for small farmers,” the scientists said.
“Cheaper feed costs will reduce chicken production prices, so consumers can also get more affordable prices,” said Dr Heri.
