A survey of potential and frequency used of local feedstuffs in the concentrate formulations for beef cattle feedlot in Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract In Indonesia, the most popular system of beef cattle farming is a feedlot system, in which cattle are fattened for 3-6 months before being marketed. For a feedlot system to be successful, the availability of feed throughout the production process is important. Local feedstuff is commonly utilized as concentrate feed for beef cattle. This study aimed to identify the types of local feedstuff, the factors affecting their selection and availability, and the supply chain, particularly in feedlots across Indonesia. The study involved surveys, through questionnaires, interviews, and observation. Farm, feed mill, and supplier of feed visits were made and the management were interviewed regarding the feed commonly used in the farm and feed mills. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the local feedstuff’s availability and potential in the feed supply. The research results show that the local feedstuff most frequently used in sequence were palm kernel meal (11.97%), solid tapioca waste/onggok (9.83%), molasses (8.97%), dried cassava chips (8.55%), coffee husks (7.26%), copra meal (7.26%), bran pollard (6.84%), rice bran (5.13%), rice husks (5.13%), and corn cobs (5.13%). The important factors for selecting the types of feedstuffs used were demand (26.3%) and availability (26.3%). The most important factor impacting the availability of feedstuff was the harvesting season (26%). Feedstuff suppliers consist of four types: producers, distributors, agents, and retailers who fill customer demand, with distributors being the most dominant choice.