Dr Mira feeding a horse with pellets made out of moringa leaves.
TO help ruminant farmers counter the high cost of imported feed, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has created pellets from moringa leaves.
UTM science faculty bioscience department senior lecturer Dr Mira Panadi said she created the MoringaPro Pellet from locally sourced raw materials.
“The production uses moringa leaves, which are a main source of protein, enriched with vitamins A, C and E, as well as important minerals such as calcium, iron and potassium.
“This innovative formulation supports livestock health with better results than conventional feed.
“The product is not only rich in nutrients, but in pellet form, it is more effective and safer than feeding the leaves directly to animals,” she said.
Dr Mira said the product was patented last month through the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO) to protect its formulation and production process.
It also won a gold medal at the UTM Industrial Art and Technology Exhibition (Inatex).
Dr Mira said the pellets demonstrated the versatile potential of local plants, especially moringa leaves, in being used as a high-quality, sustainable alternative to conventional livestock feed based on soy and grains.
“A six-month study showed that these pellets promote healthy growth and improve livestock health,” she added.
Dr Mira said the moringa leaf content requirements varied for each farm animal.
For example, horses only need 11% of moringa leaf content, while for goats and cows it is 16% and 20% for chickens as they need more protein.
“Research at the UTM equine park and a farm in Sedenak near Kulai has shown these pellets are effective in helping horses maintain body weight and further support the growth of goats,” said Dr Mira.
“In addition to reducing dependence on expensive imported feed, this innovation helps increase competitiveness in the industry.”
She said the MoringaPro Pellet would save farmers up to 72% in the cost of livestock feed.
The price of commercial pellets could reach RM3.50 to RM4.10 per kilogramme, she noted.
“MoringaPro Pellet prioritises environmentally friendly local ingredients.
“And these pellets not only reduce the carbon footprint but also support the economy of local farmers,” she added.
Dr Mira, an animal husbandry science expert, believes that this lower cost can also contribute to lowering prices of products such as meat and milk. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
