APPLICATION OF SURGE FEEDING FOR IMPROVING THE POSTPARTUM ANOESTRUS OF PERANAKAN ONGOLE COWS CALVED IN RAINY SEASON IN DRY LAND OF EAST JAVA

Abstract

Under village condition, long calving interval is often l'€'pOtled and this is related to
prolonged postpartum anoertnzs (PPA) interval. Surge feeding as a strategic supplementation was applied to shorten the PPA interval of Peranakan Ongole (PO) cows calved in rainy season in dry land areas. Surge feeding is defined as supplementation of legumes mixture (Gliricidia, Calliandra, and Leucena) given to cows (30% of dry matter intake) during the first 2 months postpartum (pp). In upland areas (Malang), 43 cows were subjected to the treated and 41 cows
were used as control, while in low land areas (Probolinggo) 53 cows were treated and 47 cows were as the control animals. Overall, compared to the control, intake of crude protein (CP) was higher when cows were subjected to Surge feeding hence lower live weight (LW) loss after giving birth (34% vs. 6-7% LW during the first 2 months pp.). Surge feeding pp with shnib/tree legturtes shortened PPA interval from I06 days down to 55 days (upland) and from 1I5 days down to 83 days (lowland). It is suggested that Surge feeding should be useful. Farmers‘
perception of surge feeding pp in rainy season were good; But, this program can be applied as long as supported by sustainable shrub/tree legumes establishment program and a cooperativeness amongst fanners for sharing legume leaves production could be created.