Estimation of Rice Straw Adequacy as Ruminants Feed-in Java Based on Yield Area Conversion

Abstract

Java is considered a center for the ruminant population and supplies cattle and buffalo to several parts of Indonesia. Livestock population increment needs the adequacy of feed, both quantity and quality. Potential sources of feeds are therefore needed to be inventoried to ensure the sustainability of feed adequacy. This study aimed to estimate the potential amount of feed from rice straw in Java for supporting ruminant production in the region. The method of this study was descriptive and quantitative, using secondary data. The potential amount of rice straw as cattle and buffalo feed ingredients was calculated using the yield area of rice. The yield area was converted to grain production, which led to the rice straw production as feed availability. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and total digestible nutrient (TDN) contents were used as a parameter. The percentage of the three parameters was collected from previous studies. The availability of DM, CP, and TDN from rice straws was then calculated based on the Animal Unit (AU). On the other hand, feed requirement was derived from the cattle and buffalo population. The population data were converted to AU, and then the total DM, CP, and TDN requirements were calculated based on previous studies (6.25 kg DM.AU-1, 0.66 kg CP.AU -1, and 4.3 kg TDN.AU-1). The feed availability and condition in Java province were compared and classified into three categories: surplus, sufficient, and deficit. The results showed that Banten, West Java, and Central Java provinces were sufficient to feed adequacy, whereas East Java and Yogyakarta provinces were deficient. This study suggests each province should utilize alternative feed resources in addition to rice straws to ensuring a sufficient feed supply for a ruminant.