Potential local microorganisms of local plants as a source of probiotics for livestock

Abstract

The use of antibiotics as a growth promotor in livestock in Indonesia has been banned since January 2018 due to the negative effects of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, this study was conducted aiming to obtain the potential of natural probiotics derived from local plants as an alternative of antibiotics. This study used materials in the form of roots and leaves that exist on the coast, in plantation areas, and in mountainous areas. The coastal area is the crown flower (Calotropis gigantean Dryand), in the plantation area is the fern plant (Nephrolepis biserrata), and in the mountainous area is the citronella plant (Cymbopogon nardus). Plant parts taken are roots and leaves. Each part of the roots and leaves was chopped by 1-2 cm, then as much as 1 kg of material soaked in 4 l of water containing 100 grams of sugar and then stored at room temperature for 21 days in a closed container. This research was conducted in vitro. The parameters measured were physical, namely odor, chemical in the form of pH and total acid, and microbiology, namely total lactic acid microbes. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively and displayed in the form of figures and tables. The results showed that all materials were seen from the physical odor that smelled rather acidic, chemically pH of 3.09-3.58 and had a total acid of 1.07-2.09% microbiologically there was total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of 1.5-223 cfu/ml. Potential the best amount of LAB is in crown flower and ferns is in the roots, while the citronella is in the leaves. In conclusion, the three plants studied have the potential of local microorganisms to be used as natural probiotics for livestock, so that alternative antibiotics are cheap, safe and easy to obtain.