Forage Covered in Volcanic Ash, IPB University Professor Offers Recommendations

Volcanic ash covering livestock forage can affect feed quality and livestock health. If exposure occurs in large quantities and continuously, volcanic ash has the potential to cause an accumulation of certain minerals that can harm livestock health.

This was stated by Dr Heri Ahmad Sukria, a lecturer in the Department of Nutrition and Feed Technology at IPB University. He explained that the impact of volcanic ash on livestock depends on the amount of ash ingested and accumulated in the animals’ bodies.

“At low levels, it is still tolerable, but at high and continuous levels, it can lead to excessive accumulation, particularly of indigestible silica which can impair livestock health and even cause death,” he said.

According to Dr Heri, forage covered in volcanic ash should not be fed directly to livestock. However, such forage does not always have to be discarded, as it can still be utilized after being cleaned or washed to remove the volcanic ash.

He explained that the risks to livestock depend heavily on the amount of forage consumed and the long-term accumulation of ash. Forage exposed to excessive amounts of volcanic ash can cause various health problems in livestock, such as respiratory issues and poisoning.

Under current conditions, he recommends that livestock be temporarily kept off pasture and housed in barns until the ashfall stops. Forage provided inside the barns must be thoroughly cleaned of volcanic ash.

“As long as ashfall continues, forage should be harvested using the cut and carry method and cleaned before being fed,” he said.

In addition to feed, farmers also need to ensure that livestock have access to clean drinking water and concentrates that are not contaminated with volcanic ash.

These measures are important to reduce exposure to volcanic ash through feed and water and to prevent the accumulation of volcanic material in the animals’ bodies, which can endanger their health. (*/Rz) (IAAS/STD)