Developing an integrated production system for Bali cattle in the eastern islands of Indonesia

• Universitas Nusa Cendana, Indonesia
• Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Australia
• University of Mataram, Indonesia
• Balai Pengkajian Teknologi Pertanian, Indonesia

The eastern islands of Indonesia have struggled to meet their quotas for beef cattle exports for some years, and it was believed that cattle numbers were falling as culling of herds has been over-extended. Various authorities in Indonesia identified the low weight of cattle for sale and declining cattle numbers as a constraint to poverty alleviation in the region. A major limitation to beef production was the poor reproductive performance, particularly of the Bali cattle most prominent in the eastern regions. This problem manifested itself as long inter-calving intervals (18-24 months) and high calf mortalities (up to 30%). The major reasons for these problems were identified as poor nutrition and poor timing of peak nutritional requirements with the availability of feed.

The broad objective of this project was to put in place an integrated management system designed to increase weaning rate and growth of cattle for sale. This involved development of an integrated production system for Bali cattle in the eastern islands of Indonesia, backed up with a technical extension package in reproduction and nutrition with an emphasis on system development, and evaluation of some low-cost supplementation strategies.

Project scientists studied the biology of the animal, its reproductive pattern and growth and matched this to supply of feed from pasture, crop residues and other feeds available to farmers - an approach that has worked in tropical and temperate systems of the world where the bulk of the feed supply comes from seasonal growth of pasture or crops.
In developing a management package a systems approach was employed, whereby best technology appropriate to the situation was applied and the system modified according to the results obtained. In this context, it was also an action learning exercise.
A technical extension package was developed through workshops and from results of the management package tested by farmers. Some component research was conducted to evaluate local supplementation strategies.

Reviewers found that the project had embraced a range of best-bet and new technologies and that the program had both developed and benefited from strong new partnerships among the Indonesian institutions and with the Australian institutions. The potential impacts of this project at the community level are high and there was a high level of awareness of the need for community-based approaches and the need to give prominence to relationships among stakeholders in the project.
A volunteer with Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) participated in the project, building some valuable community trust and familiarity and adding new insights into farmer priorities. Project leader Dr Dennis Poppi, commenting on the experience of this project, is quoted in an AYAD brochure: 'Partnering with the [AYAD] Program changed our project for the better, enhancing the outcomes for both our organisation and our overseas colleagues'.
A simple and practical method of overcoming the low reproduction rate of Bali cattle in mixed crop-livestock systems in eastern Indonesia was achieved. After extensive consultation with all farmers in Kelebub village in Lombok, the twin strategies of controlled mating (one bull, 3 month mating period) and weaning calves at 6 months were adopted. This resulted in cows in better condition that were less costly to feed, and calves growing better through feeding on appropriate food. Controlled season mating has also provided bonuses, with over 90 per cent of eligible cows (about 100 head) producing a calf, compared to a rate of about 60 per cent using traditional management methods. Scaling up of this initiative for extension to other villages is being developed through a new project.