Optimizing fermented corn straw for increasing Peranakan etawa goat livestock production

The productivity of Peranakan etawa goats can reach its peak when adequately supplied with feed, both in terms of quantity and nutritional quality. This research was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 in Wonua Raya Village, Kolaka Regency, to enhance the productivity of Peranakan etawa goats. The study involved 12 Peranakan etawa goats, each at least 6 months old with an average weight of approximately 10-12 kg. The feed materials used were Gamal leaves, corn straw, and agricultural waste. The study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications. Data from surveys and in vitro digestibility were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and further tested with the Duncan test using SPSS version 22 software. The findings indicate that using corn straw waste through fermentation with EM-4 inoculum improved the corn straw's chemical, physical, and digestibility qualities. Furthermore, incorporating a blend of fermented corn straw and Gamal leaves at a level of 30% in the Peranakan etawa goat's diet resulted in enhanced feed consumption, weight gain, and improved feed conversion efficiency in the livestock. In conclusion, using corn straw waste through fermentation with EM-4 inoculum enhanced the corn straw's chemical, physical, and digestibility qualities. Furthermore, including the fermented corn straw mixture with Gamal leaves at 30% in the diet of Peranakan etawa goats resulted in increased feed consumption, weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency in the livestock.