A strategy of assistance (guidance) for farmers to manage Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) improvement technology in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to finance research projects in Eastern Indonesia, especially in South Sulawesi through the project number. SMAR/2006/061 that have been conducted for the renewal of Bali cattle management technology. Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) are a vital component of Indonesia’s crop-livestock farming systems. This paper describes the method of participatory approaches to management of Bali cattle through the renewal component approach to production technology, namely: 1) Better use of existing forage/feed sources, 2) Introduction and use of new forage, 3) Seasonal mating at the best time, 4) Early weaning and preferential feeding, 5) The calculation and the feed planning. Points 1 and 2 are important because often the main obstacles experienced by farmers. All of these components must interact with each other. Field tests conducted in farmers’ land by 60 people scattered guided farmers in 12 villages in 3 districts in South Sulawesi is the regency of Bone, Barru and Gowa. Specific case studies carried out case by case basis experienced farmers in these three districts. The impact is being tested now and for the propagation in the system of plants and livestock farms in South Sulawesi.