Growth performance of Ongole grade (Peranakan Ongole) cattle in Indonesia

Abstract

Despite the increase in numbers of imported cattle in villages in Java, Ongole grade
(Peranakan Ongole) cattle are still the major breed kept by small scale farmers. Farm income is dependent on the performance of the animal and the cost of feed and labour. This paper describes the growth performance of Ongole grade cattle based on the results of reported experiments. Results of feeding trials from experiments comprising 71 dietary treatments and different classes of Ongole cattle have been analyzed to find out the characteristics of the growth performance. Growth rates of Ongole cattle ranged from 0.2 to 1.2 kg/d and were influenced by feed type, dry matter intake and class of animal. Feeding agricultural residues such as rice straw does not support optimal production unless animals are also offered a high energy or protein supplement such as leguminous foliage or industrial by-products (e.g. rice bran). Pre-treatment of straw also improved the nutritive value of the diet and resulted in a better performance of the cattle. The requirement of dietary protein and the protein utilization needs further attention. The availability of feeds throughout the year was considered as an important factor that should be solved.