Potential for Increasing Ruminant Livestock Population Based on Forage Availability in East Kutai Regency

Abstract

The availability of adequate feed resources is an important factor determining the potential development of ruminant livestock in a region. This study aimed to estimate the availability of forage resources, total feed supply, carrying capacity, and the potential capacity for increasing the ruminant livestock population in East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan. A quantitative descriptive approach was applied using secondary data obtained from the Central Statistics Agency of East Kutai Regency for 2024. Feed resources were estimated from plantation areas, agricultural land, and crop residues and expressed as dry matter (DM). The carrying capacity was calculated from total feed availability based on a dry matter requirement of 6.25 kg DM livestock unit⁻¹ day⁻¹, while the potential capacity for increasing the ruminant livestock population (KPPTR) was determined by subtracting the existing livestock population from the estimated carrying capacity. The results indicated that plantation areas contributed 412,448.81 Mg DM year⁻¹, while agricultural crop residues contributed 20,180.04 Mg DM year⁻¹. Agricultural land provided an additional 4,037.38 Mg DM year⁻¹. Consequently, total feed availability varied substantially among subdistricts, with Muara Wahau, Bengalon, Kongbeng, Sandaran, and Karangan among the areas with relatively high feed resources. The estimated carrying capacity of East Kutai Regency reached 193,074.67 livestock units (AU), compared with an existing ruminant population of 16,975.48 AU, resulting in a theoretical KPPTR of 176,099.19 AU. Muara Wahau recorded the highest KPPTR, whereas Sangatta Utara and Sangatta Selatan showed negative values. These findings indicate considerable feed-based potential for ruminant livestock development, although actual expansion should consider forage accessibility, seasonal availability, feed quality, land-use conditions, and farmer socioeconomic factors.