Enhancing Livestock Productivity: IPB University’s Dospulkam Team Provides Sheep Health Services in Cilacap

The Dosen Pulang Kampung Team (Dospulkam) from IPB University’s Vocational School conducted a sheep health service program in Jatisari Village, Kedungreja District, Cilacap Regency, Central Java.

This program aims to improve farmers’ knowledge and skills in maintaining livestock health. Additionally, the activity is expected to increase the productivity of community farms, where the majority of residents work as farmers and livestock breeders.

The IPB University Dospulkam team is led by Dr drh Dwi Budiono, with members Dr Tekad Urip Pambudi Sujarnoko, Dr Novia Amalia Sholeha, and drh Heryudianto Vibowo, MSi.

According to Dr Dwi Budiono, this activity is crucial in providing an understanding of sheep healthcare. “General health examinations, skin disease treatment, and deworming are part of the services we provide to ensure these sheep remain healthy and productive,” said Dr Dwi.

In this program, the lecturer team also addressed various skin diseases in sheep, such as dermatophytosis, ectoparasite infestations, and scabies. Furthermore, they administered deworming medication to prevent the spread of endoparasites that can cause significant economic losses for farmers.

“Deworming aims to eradicate parasites that can cause weight loss and even death in livestock,” explained drh Heryudianto Vibowo.

Sukiman, Chief of the Cibabut Village Farmers’ Association, stated that this program greatly helps farmers who have previously struggled to access information about their livestock’s health.

“We are very grateful to the IPB University team because this program provides great benefits for us. Previously, we didn’t have much knowledge about how to properly care for livestock,” said Sukiman.

In addition to health services, the IPB University Dospulkam team also continued the training program on silage feed production. Silage feed from agricultural waste has been proven to improve sheep health and body weight, while making it easier for farmers as they don’t need to search for fresh feed every day.

This IPB University Dospulkam program aims to improve the welfare of farmers in rural areas by providing access to health services and training that can increase their livestock productivity, while also utilizing local resources more effectively. (ASW/Rz) (IAAS/Aly)