Ruminant Livestock Development in Kutai Kartanegara Regency Based on Feed Potential

Abstract

Feed availability is a key factor determining the development of ruminant livestock. This study aimed to quantify the potential production of forage from paddy fields, plantations, and agricultural crop residues (HHSP), determine the potential carrying capacity for increasing the ruminant livestock population (KPPTR), and identify ruminant livestock-based areas in Kutai Kartanegara Regency. This descriptive study used secondary data from 2021 obtained from the Central Statistics Agency and the Agriculture and Livestock Office of Kutai Kartanegara Regency across 18 districts. Forage production was estimated using the Nell and Rollinson method, while carrying capacity and KPPTR were calculated based on a dry matter requirement of 6.25 kg ST⁻¹ day⁻¹. Livestock-based areas were identified using Location Quotient (LQ) analysis. The potential forage production reached 268,113.51 Mg DM year⁻¹, consisting of 126,891.32 Mg DM year⁻¹ from agricultural crop residues, 100,349.70 Mg DM year⁻¹ from paddy fields and fallow land, and 40,872.50 Mg DM year⁻¹ from plantations. This forage resource had the capacity to support 117,529.21 animal units (AU), while the actual livestock population was 35,034.46 AU, resulting in a KPPTR of 82,494.75 AU. Sixteen districts had positive KPPTR values, with Tenggarong Seberang, Loa Kulu, and Muara Kaman ranking highest, whereas Samboja and Muara Wis had negative values. Eight districts were identified as ruminant livestock-based areas (LQ > 1), namely Muara Wis, Samboja, Loa Kulu, Kenohan, Tenggarong Seberang, Marang Kayu, Kota Bangun, and Muara Muntai. Kutai Kartanegara Regency still has considerable potential to increase its ruminant livestock population based on locally available feed resources.