Seasonal effect on productivity of Bali cows in oil palm plantation in Riau Province, Indonesia

Abstract

This study was aimed to assess the effect of seasons on the productivity of Bali cows kept in oil palm plantation (OPP). The study used 20 Bali cows and 1 bull, which kept semi-intensively without supplementary feeding. Cow’s reproductive data, grouped according to birth time, dry season (DS) (May-October) and the rainy season (RS) (November-April) from August 2016 to September 2018, were used. These data were used to determine calving interval and calf mortality. Cows were weighed monthly to estimate dry matter consumption, which was calculated using the Minson equations. Calves were weighed at birth and weaning. Cow’s reproductive index (CRI) and cow’s productivity index (CPI) were calculated based on reproductive data and weaning weight. Data were analysed using One way ANOVA. The result showed that during the DS, the consumption was better (1.96%BW) compared to the RS (1.83%BW) (P<0.01). Calf mortality was higher in the RS (19.05%) than the in DS (17.65%), due to high rainfall and humidity. During the two seasons, calving interval, birth and weaning weights, CRI and CPI of Bali cattle in OPP were relatively similar. It is concluded that the seasons did not influence productivity of Bali cows kept in OPP.

Brahman Crossbred Cattle's Performances Were Extensively Reared Based on the Integration of Oil Palm Cattle in South Arut District, West Kotawaringin Regency

“…Based on these data, it can be concluded that the percentage of calf mortality is still at a very low limit. The mortality rate in calves can be influenced by genetic factors, seasons, nutritional aspects, quality of colostrum, quality of mother's milk, disease, maintenance systems, and management [12,13].…”

Weight Changes in Bali Cattle During Lactation at Different Seasons in the Cattle-Oil Palm Production System

“…The results of this study show that there is no difference in calf weight between both seasons (P > 0.05) (Table 1). The availability and quality of forage in the grazing area during the cow's pregnancy period is a determining factor in the quality of the calf (Maulana et al, 2019). Cows with good nutritional adequacy throughout pre-calving, which BCS shows, will positively impact the lives of those with better quality and health (calf immunity, morbidity, and mortality) (Mee, 2023).…”

“…The cow's body weight begins to increase in the third to fifth month (weaning period) due to the cow's milk production decrease starting in the third month of lactation. Suppose you look at the research results on the calving interval of cows in the dry and rainy seasons, 381 and 428 days, respectively (Maulana et al, 2019). So.…”

“…Bali cows, during grazing in the dry season (69% of feeding time), consume more oil palm leaves, which are a by-product of the plantation, compared to the rainy season (22%). Palm oil leaves are an alternative feed when grazing livestock in the dry season so that livestock can have the same productivity as in the rainy season (Maulana et al, 2018). No studies have been found regarding the consumption and quality of oil palm leaves as feed for Bali cattle, so it is necessary to carry out future studies.…”

“…Changes in behaviour occur when cattle are grazed in different seasons, where there is a decrease in feeding time and an increase in browsing time for Bali cattle grazed in oil palm plantations semi-intensively during the dry season (Maulana et al, 2018). The decline in forage production during the dry season underlies research on the changes in body weight of Bali cows during grazing on oil palm plantations.…”