Gambir Innovation Reaches an International Journal: EQUITY Encourages UNAND Lecturers to Research Beyond Disciplinary Boundaries

Dr. Roni Pazla’s study connects local gambir, sustainable livestock production, and methane mitigation—demonstrating the opportunity to develop research with scientific and regional significance.

PADANG — Gambir, a commodity strongly associated with West Sumatra, is gaining attention in a new area of scientific application: sustainable ruminant nutrition. An EQUITY-supported study led by Dr. Ir. Roni Pazla, S.Pt., M.P., of the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Andalas (UNAND), has resulted in a scientific publication in the Czech Journal of Animal Science.

The article, “Rumen-protected gambir catechins encapsulated using CaO-PFAD: Their effects on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and methane production in vitro,” investigates a functional feed approach using gambir catechins encapsulated with calcium oxide and palm fatty acid distillate (CaO-PFAD). The source material was obtained from Talang Maur, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra.

Using a randomized block design with four supplementation levels—0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%—and five replicates, the team tested effects under in vitro conditions. The 10% treatment yielded the most promising outcomes among the tested levels, including higher propionate concentration, increased microbial protein synthesis, improved nutrient digestibility, and lower methane production.

The result is promising, but the distinction between laboratory and farm conditions is essential. The findings do not yet demonstrate equivalent benefits in live animals or commercial livestock systems. In vivo trials, formulation development, practical performance assessment, and evaluation of economic feasibility would be important next steps.

The work addresses two challenges at once: improving utilization of feed nutrients and investigating ways to reduce enteric methane emissions. It also identifies an additional research-based application for a regional commodity. For UNAND, the study illustrates how local resources can become starting points for new scientific questions rather than remaining confined to their traditional markets.

The partnership dimension is equally important. The draft news identifies collaboration involving UNAND, Hasanuddin University, Sultan Syarif Kasim State Islamic University of Riau, the National Research and Innovation Agency, and Prima Nusantara Bukittinggi University, among other research partners. Such collaboration can bring together animal nutrition, biomaterials, process engineering, and environmental science.

Vice Rector IV Prof. Henmaidi has emphasized research that connects local potential with issues of global importance. EQUITY Chair Dr. Eng. Muhammad Makky, S.T.P., M.Si., has similarly underscored the importance of extending research beyond its initial output through further experiments, partnerships, and pathways toward useful innovation.

For lecturers across UNAND, this is an actionable example. An EQUITY research idea might begin with a local commodity, a measurable technical bottleneck, and an interdisciplinary team capable of investigating a solution. Well-designed proposals should distinguish what is already proven from what remains to be tested, while identifying a realistic path toward publications, partnerships, or later-stage application.

As future EQUITY opportunities are announced, lecturers are invited to develop collaborative proposals and consult official guidance on themes, eligibility, selection criteria, and submission dates. Dr. Roni’s research demonstrates that meaningful work can emerge when regional strengths are connected to internationally relevant scientific challenges.

This activity is funded by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) on behalf of the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and managed under the EQUITY Program (Contract No.4304/B3/DT.03.08/2025).