UGM and BRIN develop free-range chicken and maggot farming concept

A team from the Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) together with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has developed a concept that integrates the farming of superior free-range laying hens and maggots with environmentally friendly technology. The innovation team leader, Ikhwan Hadianto, stated in Yogyakarta on Thursday that this concept integrates superior free-range laying hen farming with bioconversion technology using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae within a circular economy system that is environmentally friendly. According to him, various research findings show that BSF technology can significantly reduce organic waste while producing an alternative protein source that can be utilised as animal feed. He explained that this concept was developed as a solution to the challenges faced by smallholder livestock farming, particularly the high cost of feed and organic waste management. The concept, part of the 2026 Micro-Credential Module Development Assistance Programme, has been packaged into a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) entitled ‘Eco-Farming: Synergy of Superior Free-Range Laying Hen Farming and BSF Maggots’. He expressed the hope that participants will be able to understand the basic concepts of eco-farming, manage an integrated laying hen farming system with BSF maggots, and apply zero-waste principles in livestock businesses. The learning materials are comprehensively structured into seven sub-modules: the Concept of Eco-Farming and Circular Economy, Integrated Housing Architecture, Maggot-Based Feed Management, Bioconversion Technology and Zero Waste, Health Management and Biosecurity, Production and Post-Harvest Management, and Circular Business Feasibility Analysis. The video production process for the course was carried out independently, taking locations at a privately owned farm and within the UGM Faculty of Animal Science environment. The learning approach combines talking head, narration, and practical demonstration methods to provide a more applicable and easily understood learning experience. He hopes that the development of this MOOC will serve as a medium for disseminating appropriate technology that supports feed independence, waste management, and increased productivity for smallholder livestock farming. He added that the module is also expected to strengthen UGM’s role in supporting lifelong learning and accelerating digital transformation in the sustainable agriculture and livestock sector.