Skudai, Johor Bahru, 2025 — Addressing long-standing challenges in livestock nutrition and feed preservation, Dr. Mira binti Panadi from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has developed an innovative feed product known as NapierMix TMR Silage, a complete, balanced, and ready-to-use livestock feed that supports sustainable and efficient farming practices.
This innovation was showcased under Category A: Agriculture, Aquaculture & Environment during the 27th Industrial Art & Technology Exhibition and Competition (INATEX 2025), highlighting UTM’s leadership in advancing smart and sustainable agrotechnology.
Transforming Fresh Napier Grass into Sustainable Feed
The livestock industry has long depended on fresh Napier grass as a primary feed source due to its abundance and fast growth. However, its high moisture content (over 80%), rapid spoilage, and short shelf life often result in nutritional losses, high labor demand, and increased production costs.
To overcome these limitations, Dr. Mira’s team developed NapierMix TMR Silage, a fermented mixture of Napier grass and agricultural by-products such as soy curd residue and palm kernel cake, producing a nutritionally balanced and long-lasting feed. After 45 days of controlled fermentation, the silage achieved:
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14% crude protein,
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11 MJ/kg DM metabolizable energy,
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Favorable pH of 4.2, and
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54% moisture content,
indicating excellent fermentation quality and low spoilage risk.
Microbial tests confirmed that coliforms, yeasts, and molds were within safe limits, and no harmful mycotoxins were detected — ensuring the product’s safety for livestock consumption.
Innovation Description and Functional Benefits
NapierMix TMR Silage serves as a practical replacement for fresh Napier grass feeding, eliminating the need for daily harvesting and reducing the burden on farmers.
Key features include:
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Production from fresh Napier grass blended with nutrient-rich by-products from tofu and palm industries.
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Superior nutritional consistency and quality compared to conventional grass silage.
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Compact, sealed packaging designed for easy storage and transportation.
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Controlled fermentation ensuring extended shelf life and safe preservation.
Each feed pack provides a complete and balanced nutritional profile, meaning farmers no longer need to mix additional concentrates or pellets.
Advantages and Market Potential
NapierMix TMR Silage offers numerous advantages that align with national goals for sustainable agriculture:
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Reduces dependence on imported pellet feed, thereby lowering feed costs and promoting local resource utilization.
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Compact vacuum-sealed packaging enhances convenience, storage, and transport efficiency.
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Longer shelf life without spoilage allows for better feed management and reduced waste.
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Environmentally responsible production, utilizing agricultural by-products to minimize waste and carbon footprint.
This product specifically targets cattle, goat, and sheep farms across Malaysia, with a focus on smallholders and integrated livestock operators seeking affordable, ready-to-use feed solutions.
Dr. Mira noted, “NapierMix TMR Silage helps farmers reduce daily workload and feed losses, while improving animal nutrition and farm profitability. It’s an innovation that supports both productivity and sustainability.”
Sustainable Impact and Future Prospects
As Malaysia continues to push toward smart agriculture and sustainable food systems, innovations like NapierMix TMR Silage exemplify how scientific research can directly benefit local farmers. The development encourages efficient waste utilization, reduces reliance on imported feed, and enhances livestock resilience against feed shortages.
NapierMix TMR Silage represents a key step toward achieving eco-friendly livestock production and food security goals under UTM’s tagline of “Innovating Sustainable Solution.”
Researcher Information:
Dr. Mira binti Panadi
Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
📧 mirapanadi@utm.my
Category: Agriculture, Aquaculture & Environment
Event: 27th Industrial Art & Technology Exhibition and Competition (INATEX 2025)
