Triple Helix Strategy Supports Commercialization of Omega 3 Eggs
IPB Lecturer
IPB University researchers, Prof. Iman Rahayu HS and Dr. Komari created omega 3-IPB eggs which have higher omega 3 fatty acid content than ordinary eggs. This egg contains Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and other omega 3 fatty acids which are very good for the health of the body especially for toddler brain development and prevention of elderly degenerative diseases. "These eggs are expected to provide opportunities for improving the quality of community nutrition. Because, eggs are one source of protein that is popular with the community. The price is relatively cheap and easy to obtain is the reason, both as a side dish and other food processed ingredients, "said Prof. Iman.
According to Prof. Iman, omega 3-IPB eggs are eggs derived from laying hens that are given additional feed in the form of omega-3 supplements. The addition of these supplements is proven to increase DHA content up to ten times and EPA 2.4 times higher than ordinary eggs, and cholesterol content is 50 percent lower. "The supplement added comes from fisheries industry waste. Namely fish oil from lemuru fish industry waste results as well as fermentation from tofu waste. This reduces environmental pollution and reduces production costs, "said Prof. Iman.
This Professor of IPB University continued, in the development of omega 3-IPB eggs, it needed the support and cooperation of various parties which were summarized in the triple helix concept. This concept brings together academics, industry and government. In this concept the contribution of the parties involved will produce a collaboration that can make the product known to the wider community. The three parties that play a role in this concept must always move to circulate and integrate with each other in order to achieve common goals.
"From the triple helix concept, commercialization of omega 3-IPB eggs was carried out. Commercialization of small-scale omega 3-IPB eggs began with the Academic Business Unit scheme from the Directorate of Business and Partnership of IPB in 2009, then continued until omega-3-IPB eggs were sold at Serambi Botani outlets. In addition, people can buy omega 3-IPB eggs directly at the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, "explained this IPB University lecturer.
In order for the product to be spread more widely, in 2013 a partnership was established with the egg distributor CV Tirta Super Telur (TST) in the form of a joint venture. The collaboration succeeded in commercializing DHA-rich eggs up to 4,000 eggs per week with a population of chickens maintained around 750 head. However, in 2018-2019 sales results show a decrease in total revenue due to producers' policies to reduce chicken population due to market saturation, so that an overall evaluation of the aspects of production, product packaging, development of online / e-sale marketing strategies, and management improvements will be made.
The government also has an important role in the development of omega 3-IPB eggs. One of them is through funding of the Research, Community Service (PPM) program for three years (2017-2019). "The commitment and cooperation of the three parties in the triple helix concept is very instrumental in the development of this omega 3 egg innovation product. The three parties must continue to work together so that the innovation products that have been developed to date can continue to be commercialized and can also be produced by other farmers. And, so that the benefits of this product can continue to be felt by the community, especially in improving community nutrition as functional food, "he explained.
Keywords: omega 3 eggs IPB, Iman Rahayu, Komari, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, lemuru fish industry waste
