Wasir Ibrahim, student at the Faculty of Animal Science Universitas Gadjah Mada (Fapet UGM), successfully defended his dissertation entitled “Biosynthetic Zinc Nanoparticle Research by using Neem Leaves Extract as Feed Additive in Broiler Chickens’ Drink.” This research was done as a means to find an alternative to replace antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) which usage has been banned in Indonesia through Law Number 41 Year 2014. With green synthesis method, Ibrahim utilized zinc as the precursor and neem leaf (Azadirachta indica) extract as the bio-reductor to create zinc nanoparticle (ZnNPs-Phytobiotic) which is more stable, environmentally friendly, and has the potential to increase the health and productivity of broiler chickens.
On the closed dissertation examination held on September 19th 2025 at Fapet UGM, Ibrahim presented and defended his dissertation. The examination was led by the Dean of Faculty of Animal Science Universitas Gadjah Mada Prof. Ir. Budi Guntoro, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., accompanied by the team of promoters consisted of Prof. Dr. Ir. Zuprizal, DEA., IPU., ASEAN Eng.; Ir. Muhlisin, S.Pt., M.Agri., Ph.D., IPP.; and Dr.rere.mat. Ronny Martien, S.Si., M.Si. The examiners attending this defense are Ir. Rusman, M.P., Ph.D., IPM. as the faculty’s internal examiner and Prof. Dr. Ir. Hj. Nurhayati, M.Sc.agr. As the external examiner from Universitas Jambi’s Faculty of Animal Science.
The research showed that ZnNPs-Phytobiotic successfully synthesized with the optimal characteristics at the wavelength of 365nm, particle size of 368,8nm, zeta potential of -43,6 mV, and a pure composition without contamination. These findings proved that ZnNPs-Phytobiotic’s supplementation at the dose of 150 ppm is effective as the alternative for AGP. Those supplementations are proven to lower abdomen fats, water:feeds ratio, and pathogen bacteria (E.coli and S.typhimurium), as well as increasing Lactobacillus population and the content of Ca, P, and Zn of the broiler’s bones. This research has resulted in the publication of two Scopus-indexed journal papers. Ibrahim has succeeded in defending his dissertation and is hopeful that the research could help to support the advancement of nanomineral-based feed additive technologies that are safe, renewable, and supporting national food security.
Original article: Ibrahim Kembangkan Feed Additive Berbasis Nanopartikel Zink dari Daun Mimba
Translated by: Widadullah Ragid Addiraya