Livestock Systems

Profitable feeding strategies for smallholder cattle in Indonesia

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Overview

This project aimed to improve the profitability of beef cattle production of small-scale beef producers in Indonesia through the development of simple cost-effective feed rations. 

The Indonesian Government has placed a high priority on self-sufficiency in beef production where domestic beef supply is unable to meet consumer demand. 

Most cattle are raised by 4.2 million smallholder farmers and landless producers, with an increasing number of small- to medium-scale feedlots. The priority is to increase this number, improve reproductive efficiency and improve the growth and fattening of cattle. 

Although there is substantial trade in cattle feed, cattle growth rates are low. Diets are based on the cheapest available feed. This is mainly due to a poor understanding of the benefits of improved diets (for increased growth rates and decreased cost per weight gain), aversion to risk and a lack of tools to formulate a simple diet based on nutritional principles. There is a need to customise diets for different regions in Indonesia as each has a different range of feed resources, both on-farm and purchased feeds.

Project outcomes

  • Improved reproduction and growth of cattle.
  • Economic and other benefits to smallholders, landless cattle producers and small- to medium-scale feedlots.
  • Increased household incomes.
  • Increased availability of quality cattle to meet domestic supply.
  • Increased capacity for a new generation of ruminant nutritionists to continue the development of local cattle production systems.
  • Potential for off-farm employment opportunities through implementation of commercial feed enterprises. 

Project final report