Economic analysis of on-farm feeding strategies to increase post-weaning live weight gain of Bali calves

Abstract

Feeding strategies to increase live weight gain of early weaned Bali calves were evaluated at the farm level at Central Sulawesi, East Java, East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara Provinces in Indonesia. The objective of this study was to identify opportunities for increased profit above feed costs on-farm through implementation of best-bet feeding strategies to increase live weight gain of early weaned Bali calves. A total of 53 feeding strategies were evaluated in 14 on-station experiments conducted at research stations within each of the four provinces. The best-bet feeding strategy at each site was then implemented, monitored and adapted on-farm in villages within each province for a period of 6 months. Parameters observed included growth rate of weaned calves along with input and output prices. The results indicated that the highest profit above feed cost was achieved through supplementation of commonly utilized low quality feeds with feeds high in crude protein, such as Leucaena leucocephala (East Java and East Nusa Tenggara), Sesbania grandiflora (West Nusa Tenggara) or copra meal mixed with rice bran (Central Sulawesi). The revenue over cost (R/C) varied between the sites, and ranged from 2.5 to 7.5, with profitability ranging from Rp. 1.1 to 2 million/head/6 months. The results indicate that there is considerable potential to change feeding management practices of weaned Bali calves, to increase live weight gain and farmers’ income based on the availability of local feed resources. Tree legumes, such as Leucaena leucocephala and Sesbania grandiflora, have not been optimally utilized as a feed resource for Bali cattle in Indonesia but do provide the greatest potential to increase farm income, due to their availability and the live weight gain response. A low external input system is a crucial aspect for the
profitable raising of Bali cattle by farmers in Indonesia.