Preventing Paralysis of Turkeys, IPB University Students Use Dandelion Plants

Turkey has the potential to be developed as an alternative source of animal protein. This turkey has a lower cholesterol content compared to beef. However, at the age of 4-6 months, turkeys often experience paralysis caused by lack of nutrition, disease, and obesity.

Three students from the Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology (IPTP) of IPB University Animal Husbandry who are members of the D-Melion Research Student Creativity Program (PKMPE) team conducted research in an effort to prevent paralysis of turkeys by administering dandelions. The team consisting of Husnul Dwi Setianingsih Tadjudin, Syarifah Aini and Maya Shofiah were guided by Dr. Ir. Widya Hermana. Naming D-Melion is a significant source of vitamin D for turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) from dandelion plants (Taraxacum officinale) as a feed rich in antioxidants that prevent paralysis.

Husnul said that dandelion plants are still rarely used. This dandelion plant has attractive and beautiful flowers and grows in cold areas. This plant has a high vitamin D content that can prevent paralysis of the turkey bones of the turkey due to obesity.

The dandelion is given in fresh form mixed with bran feed, commercial feed, and water hyacinth. Based on the results of this study, it was found that turkeys fed without dandelion added to signs of paralysis. While turkeys given feed with the addition of dandelions show no signs of paralysis.

"Until the end of maintenance, observing behavior showed turkeys experiencing paralysis at P0 (without the addition of dandelions), while those that given dandelion showed no signs of paralysis. Our previous team has also ensured that there are vitamins and minerals in the plants we use in improving bone strength in turkeys," she said. (RYS)