Analysis of Local Forage and Income Over Feed Cost Under Ruminant and Palm Plantation Integrated System (SISKA) in West Kalimantan

Abstract

Inter-plant forage found in oil palm plantations is a potential feed for ruminants. For this reason, special attention is needed to the availability and quality of the forage. The purpose of this study was to provide information on the potential of local forages in oil palm plantations in terms of the availability of forage types, botanical composition and income over feed cost. Data collection was carried out at smallholder oil palm plantations in Sengah Temila Sub-district, Landak Regency and company oil palm plantations in Kapuas Sub-district, Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan Province, starting from March to May 2023. The research was conducted using a survey in the form of interviews using questionnaires and field observations. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, linear model analysis and Duncan’s further test. The research results obtained 32 types of forage in the smallholder oil palm plantation area and 22 types of forage in the company’s oil palm plantation area. The botanical composition of forage in smallholder oil palm plantations is dominated by Paspalum conjugatum, while in corporate oil palm plantations, the botanical composition is dominated by Axonopus compressus. Smallholder oil palm plantation land was also dominated by Paspalum conjugatum Berg with an Important Value Index (IVI) value of 49.33%. In contrast, the company’s oil palm plantation’s land was dominated by Axonopus compressus, which mostly covered the land surface with an IVI value of 40.47%. The IOFC value of smallholder oil palm plantations is lower than company oil palm plantations. Smallholder oil palm plantations and company oil palm plantations in West Kalimantan have the potential to be developed as forage based on forage types, botanical composition and IOFC values, which are still profitable in both research locations.