In the heart of Indonesia, a nation renowned for its palm oil industry, researchers are turning the tables on agricultural waste, transforming it into a valuable resource for livestock feed. Arif Dwi Santoso, a scientist from the Research Center for Industrial Systems and Sustainable Manufacturing at the National Research and Innovation Agency in Tangerang Selatan, has been at the forefront of this innovative endeavor. His recent study, published in *Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering* (translated as *Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering*), sheds light on the potential of palm oil by-products to revolutionize livestock feed production while addressing environmental concerns.
The palm oil industry generates a staggering amount of by-products, from oil palm fronds to palm kernel cake. These materials have long been considered waste, but Santoso’s research reveals their untapped potential. “We saw an opportunity to turn these by-products into a sustainable feed source,” Santoso explains. “This not only addresses the issue of waste management but also provides a cost-effective solution for livestock farmers.”
Santoso and his team evaluated two feed formulations. The first combined oil palm fronds, solid decanter cake, and palm kernel cake. The second replaced the solid decanter cake with grated sago. The digestibility of these feeds was assessed using the total collection method, a comprehensive approach that measures the nutrient intake and excretion of livestock.
The results were promising. The sago-based feed showed higher digestibility at 65.71%, indicating that livestock could extract more nutrients from this feed. However, it had a poorer feed conversion ratio (16.81), meaning that the animals consumed more feed without a proportional increase in weight gain. On the other hand, the solid decanter-based feed achieved a better feed conversion ratio (11.53), suggesting more efficient weight gain per unit of feed consumed.
But the story doesn’t end with digestibility. Santoso’s team also conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of these feed formulations. Using openLCA 2.0 software and the CML-IA method with the Ecoinvent 3.8 database, they measured greenhouse gas emissions associated with each feed type.
The findings were eye-opening. The solid decanter-based feed had higher carbon emissions (223.415 kg CO2-eq/ton) compared to the sago-based feed (197.243 kg CO2-eq/ton). Moreover, feedstock mixing was identified as the dominant emission source, contributing over 99% of total GHG emissions. “This highlights the need for low-impact ingredients and improved processing techniques to optimize feed production,” Santoso notes.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, the sustainable utilization of palm oil by-products could open new avenues for waste-to-energy initiatives. By reducing the reliance on traditional feed sources, this approach could also alleviate pressure on land use and biodiversity, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural landscape.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, innovative solutions like Santoso’s are more crucial than ever. “Our study underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of agricultural production,” Santoso concludes. “By doing so, we can create a more resilient and environmentally friendly food system.”
In the quest for sustainable agriculture, every by-product counts. Santoso’s research is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of waste to fuel the future of livestock feed. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the lessons from this study could pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient use of resources, benefiting both the environment and the bottom line.