Introduction Superior Bulls and Feed Bank Enhancing Sustainability of Wanaternak Programs in Indonesia

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, the Wanaternak program in Indonesia has been rolled out with a forest land use scheme in a synergy and integrated with beef cattle development. There is still not much information and data that reports on the progress of this program, especially in terms of developing and increasing livestock populations in a forest area. The concept of cattle management in forest areas is through nutritional and reproductive aspects, namely the cow calf operation through semi-intensive and / or grazing, which relies on feed from forest vegetation. The target of the beef cattle breeding pattern is to produce calves, so it requires the implementation of technology on how cows can get pregnant and produce healthy calves. In order to produce good offspring, of course, an effective and efficient mating pattern is needed, in this case the natural mating pattern using superior bulls is a strategic matter, especially in areas that are difficult to reach by inseminators. On the other hand, the quantity and quality of feed are the main factors in supporting livestock productivity. Development of a feed bank, which is one of the alternative strategies for meeting the maintenance and livestock production throughout the year. The concept of developing a feed bank in an animal forest area, takes into account: (1) decreasing availability of forage, primarily the animal feed supply from existing forest vegetation, (2) optimal utilization of silvo-pasture, (3) regulating grazing patterns, (4) introduction of legume or grass that is resistant to trampling and inundation, (5) area carrying capacity index, (6) processing manure into organic fertilizer for food, estate and forest plantations. This paper is prepared as a concept of livestock management in the practical management aspects of mating and provision of feed that supports sustainable development of Wanaternak in Indonesia.