POULTRYINDONESIA, Yogyakarta – In recent times, animal welfare has increasingly become a global concern. This trend aligns with the growing public awareness of food products that are not only healthy and safe, but also take animal welfare into account.

In response to this trend, the Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Fapet UGM), in collaboration with Japfa, has established a strategic partnership to develop animal welfare–based farming systems. This collaboration is being implemented through the operation of a free-range layer housing model on land owned by UGM’s Center for Innovation and Agro-Technology (PIAT).

As an initial step, Japfa has provided a grant of 1,500 pullets (ready-to-lay hens), along with feed support through the production period.

Dean of Fapet UGM, Prof. Budi Guntoro, explained that the development of this free-range housing system is not only intended for production purposes, but also as a research laboratory for students and lecturers.

“Unlike conventional housing systems, the free-range model allows chickens to move freely and express their natural behaviors. The facility is also equipped with natural nesting areas so that hens can lay eggs comfortably. When animal welfare is fulfilled, chickens are ‘happier’, which positively impacts productivity and egg quality,” he said on Tuesday (April 21, 2026).

He added that although the free-range system requires larger land areas and different operational costs compared to conventional systems, the quality of eggs produced is considered superior. This is influenced by feed quality and lower stress levels in the chickens. Moreover, this system has been widely adopted in various countries and has proven to have positive impacts on both chicken health and product quality.

Meanwhile, COO of Poultry Indonesia at Japfa, Arif Widjaja, stated that the grant of pullet-age layer chickens represents tangible support for educational, research, and development activities at Fapet UGM.

According to him, the free-range housing system not only functions as a production facility, but also as a research platform to test more effective, efficient, and sustainable poultry management systems.

“Through this system, we hope to encourage the development of farming practices that are not only productivity-oriented, but also prioritize animal welfare and product quality. We believe this synergy can accelerate innovation in the livestock sector,” he said.

He also added that this collaboration serves as a strategic step in educating the public about the importance of food quality, while also opening opportunities for the premium egg market among consumers who are increasingly concerned about health, sustainability, and animal welfare.

“The involvement of academics is crucial to ensure that every innovation is based on accurate research. We hope the results are truly validated so that the benefits can be directly felt by the community,” he added.

On the same occasion, UGM Vice Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems, Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, emphasized that collaboration between universities and industry is an inseparable necessity.

He noted that the grant of free-range housing and layer chickens is expected to promote research development and strengthen laboratory functions for Fapet UGM students.

“The government is currently focusing on strengthening food security. Hopefully, initiatives like this can also contribute to community empowerment,” he concluded.

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