The use of local-fodder based supplement and agricultural by product for cattle

Abstract

Ruminants have some advantages compared to monogastric animals, such as the ability to digest high fiber content feedstuffs for their benefits with the help of microorganisms in the rumen. The action of microbes in the rumen of ruminants enable them to be fed on fibrous roughages, especially agricultural waste and by-products. This research was conducted for six months at the field experimental site of the Faculty of Animal Science, University of Nusa Cendana. The aims of the research was to study the use of feedstuff base on local fodder and agricultural by-product on a performance of cattle. Six male Bali cattle of 1.5 – 2 years old with an initial live weight of 150 ± 2.5 kg were used. Experimental design used was Latin Square design 6 x 6. The treatments were T1 = field grass hay ad lib. + 11% protein and 55% TDN supplement; T2 = field grass hay ad lib. + 11% protein and 60% TDN supplement; T3 = field grass hay ad lib. + 11% protein and 65% TDN supplement; T4 = field grass hay ad lib. + 12% protein and 55% TDN supplement; T5 = field grass hay ad lib. + 12% protein and 60% TDN supplement; T6 = field grass hay ad lib. + 12% protein and 65% TDN supplement. The results indicated that the effect of treatments were significant (P< 0.05)on dry matter, crude protein, and energy intake, and body weight gain. It is concluded that block supplement of feedstuff base on local fodder and agricultural by-product is good for the performance
of Bali cattle.