Breeding Bos Javanicus d’Alton cattle in eastern Indonesia: Cattle growth

Abstract

Growth of Bali cattle (Bos javanicus d’Alton) was monitored at Kelebuh (seasonal mating and weaning practised) and Tandek villages on Lombok. Body condition score (1-9) variation was low, averaging 6, though 5 over the dry season at Kelebuh. Calf birth weight averaged 16 kg for females and 17.5 kg for males. Suckling calf growth averaged 0.4 kg/day. Post-weaning heifer growth to 2 years averaged 0.2 kg/day, though was 0.25-0.3 kg/day at 18-24 months at Kelebuh. Average cow mature size of 270 kg was reached at 3.5 years at Kelebuh. Girth, but not hip height, was an accurate and precise predictor of weight.