THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF FEEDING NATURAL GRASS SILAGE AND CONCENTRATE TO FATTENED BEEF CATTLE

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of natural grass silage and concentrate on the economic value of fattening male Bali cows. Twelve male Bali cows with initial body weight ranging from 132-149 kg were used in this study following a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 4 replications. The animals were randomly allocated to one of the three dietary treatments (T1 = natural grass silage; T2 = T1 + concentrate 1000 grams/head/day; T3 = T1 + concentrate 2000 grams/head/day). Data obtained in this study were analyzed using SAS procedure of ANOVA. Average feed costs (IDR/day): T1 5188 ± 239.36, T2 7625 ± 520.42, and T3 7750 ± 645.50. Average body weight gain (kg/cow/day): T1 0.31 ± 0.03, T2 0.43 ± 0.04, and T3 0.52 ± 0.03. Average income (IDR/day): T1 10230 ± 967,250, T2 14190 ± 1484,837, and T3 17160 ± 1073,448. Average Income Over Feed Cost (IDR): T1 5042 ± 967,250, T2 6565 ± 1484,837, and T3 9410 ± 1073,448. The results of statistical analysis showed that the use of natural grass silage with and without concentrate at different levels had a significant effect on P <0.01 on the economic value of fattening Bali cattle. In conclusion, feeding natural grass silage and concentrate at different levels to fattened Bali cattle results in an increase of the economic values of fattened beef cattle.

Keywords

• male bali cattle
• natural grass silage
• concentrate
• economic value
• income
• feed cost