The practice of goat farming in rural areas is a prevalent activity within the community. However, in practice, feeding systems and goat care techniques are still carried out in a traditional manner. Rural farmers continue to confront a myriad of challenges, most notably the dearth of information concerning the management of goat production byproducts, including milk and manure, which possess considerable economic value, particularly in the context of Cross Breed Etawa goat.
A robust farming management system exerts a substantial influence on the quality of livestock products, encompassing both the nutritional quality of meat and the nutritional content of goat milk. Furthermore, goats are classified as ruminants, which are known for their ability to adapt to various environmental conditions. This renders goats a promising livestock species with the capacity to enhance the economic well-being of communities and contribute to the alleviation of malnutrition, particularly among young children.
The goat farming training program, which was conducted in Boyemare Village, was designed to enhance the community’s competencies in the optimal management of livestock, with the objective of achieving maximum productivity. This training underscores the pivotal role of goats in enhancing food security and community well-being. The implementation of integrated management practices, including feed management, livestock health, reproduction, and marketing, is expected to result in significant economic benefits from the production of Peranakan Etawa goats, encompassing offspring, meat, milk, and organic fertilizer.
The training activity encompassed the entire cultivation process, from production to product packaging. The total number of participants included 65 individuals, with 41 being farmers and 24 being housewives. The subjects received materials through socialization sessions followed by hands-on practice, including silage and concentrate feed production, milking training, pasteurized milk processing, and organic fertilizer production.
The establishment of this program was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Cenalis Institute, the Boyemare Village Government, the Desamind Branch of East Lombok Regency, and the Faculty of Animal Science at Mataram University. The Boyemare Village Government, through the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes), is prepared to procure packaged goods for the purpose of product marketing. The items in question include pasteurized milk, priced at Rp25,000 per liter, and organic fertilizer, priced at Rp25,000 per 30-kilogram unit. These products are also highlighted as the village’s flagship products, a source of pride for both the local community and the government.
In accordance with the program’s commitment to sustainability, stakeholders have agreed to undertake evaluations and provide assistance on a bi-monthly basis. Concurrently, a goat milk cooperative is to be established through BUMDes Boyemare, and further research is planned to develop innovations based on livestock production. It is anticipated that this initiative will serve as a paradigm for the advancement of Peranakan Etawa goat farming in analogous rural communities.
