Background: Livestock population structure and dynamics are key determinants of smallholder beef cattle sustainability, yet their integration has been rarely studied in tropical highland regions. Objective: This study aims to examine the structure and dynamics of smallholder beef cattle populations and to evaluate their implications and sustainability within small-scale smallholder livestock systems in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Methods: The study included 224 respondents out of a total of 511 livestock farmers. Sampling was conducted using simple random sampling, followed by interviews and direct field observations. The research parameters were: livestock breed, age distribution, sex ratio, number of livestock, and livestock input and output factors. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. Results: The study found that the majority of the cattle were female (72.6%), while the dominant breed was Simmental crossbreeds (86.7%). This indicates that the primary purpose of livestock farming in this region is breeding. On the other hand, the cattle population growth rate remains low at 0.2%, with input factors (22.0%) nearly balanced with output factors (21.8%). The livestock replacement rate is only 5.2%, indicating that the population’s regenerative capacity remains limited. Furthermore, the reproductive performance of cattle is strongly influenced by farming experience but is not affected by educational level. Conclusion: Beef cattle population demographics support reproduction, but low replacement rates and stagnant population growth threaten long-term sustainability. Improving reproductive efficiency and strengthening breeding programs are essential for sustainable smallholder beef cattle farming.
Livestock in the Republic of Yemen is an important national resource and constitutes a fundamental aspect of the agricultural system. It is cared for by finding improved breeds, establishing fattening farms, and providing vaccines and veterinary treatments. Plants are the most important sources of nutrition for animals such as cattle and buffalo. There are two types of plants used as animal feed namely green fodder and concentrated fodder. This research work aims to study five different types of plants grown in Yemen, which have a very significant role in fattening cattle and buffalo. The five plants are Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana) and Sesbania (Sesbania sesban). The result shows that all the plants in the study grown in Yemen play an important role in fattening cattle and buffalo. It concluded that these natural plants play a significant role in increase the weight as well as milk in the cattle and buffalo.
This study was conducted to assess the impact of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MoLM) on the growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chickens at the growing and finishing stages. Fresh Moringa olefera leaves purchased was washed and air dried for two weeks, milled and incorporated into feed. A total of 108 twenty-eight day-broiler chicks of initial average weight of 940g were used in this experiment. Birds were randomly assigned to three treatments of 36 birds each. Each treatment was sub divided into three replicates of 12 birds each. The three treatments were designated T1(0% MoLM), T2(T 1 + 1% MoLM) and T3 (T1 + 3% MoLM). The experiment lasted for 28 days. Dietary treatments, were labelled as T1 (0% MoLM), T2 (T 1 + 1% MoLM) and T3 (T1 + 3% MoLM). Feeding and watering of birds were served ad-libitum. Productive performance and carcass characteristics of experimental birds were measured. 1 % MoLM diet had the best feed conversion ratio, whiles those on the 3% MoML diet recorded the highest average body weight gain. Carcass analysis indicated that the birds on the 3% MoLM diet had the highest dressing percentage. Sensory evaluation parameters were significantly improved by the inclusion of 3%MoLMin the diet. The 3% MoLM breast cut grilled meat produced highest overall likeness and product intended to buy mean vales. In conclusion, MoLM inclusion to broiler diets up to 3% improved birds’ performance at growing stage. After week 4, the growth promoting property of MoLM was not observed.
Brown Midrib (BMR) sorghum is a mutation-derived variety with low lignin and high non-structural carbohydrate content, potential as a ruminant forage. The ratoon system allows for repeated harvesting without replanting, thus providing an efficient forage supply. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics and biomass productivity of BMR mutant sorghum in primary plants, the first and second ratoon. The study was conducted experimentally using a randomized block design with three treatments (primary, first ratoon, and second ratoon plants) and four replications. The parameters observed included agronomic components (plant height, number of tillers, stem diameter, and leaf size), stem sugar value (Brix), proportion of plant structures (stems, leaves, and panicles), panicle production, forage production, and livestock carrying capacity. The results showed that plant height was not significantly different (P>0.05) between primary and ratoon plants, while stem diameter and leaf size decreased gradually from the first to the second ratoon. The Brix value showed a highly significant difference (P<0.01), with the highest value in the first ratoon and the lowest in the second ratoon. The proportion of stems and leaves decreased in the second ratoon, whereas the proportion of panicles and panicle production increased significantly (P<0.01). The highest forage production was obtained in the second ratoon at 52.08 tons/ha, while the total production of the three harvests reached 112.28 tons/ha with a carrying capacity of 8.8 AU/ha. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the ratoon system does not reduce the biomass productivity of BMR mutant sorghum and can maintain agronomic quality until the second ratoon. With its high production potential and good regrowth ability, BMR mutant sorghum is worthy of development as a sustainable forage source in ruminant livestock farming systems.
Melastoma (M) malabathricum L. is a phytochemically rich tropical plant with potential relevance to methane-mitigation research in ruminants. This study aimed to characterize the tannin and saponin contents of different organs of M. malabathricum L. as a preliminary basis for evaluating its prospective use as a phytogenic resource for livestock. Samples were collected from Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia, and separated into roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits for analysis. Tannin content was analyzed using the hide powder method based on the Folin-Ciocalteu reaction, while saponin content was determined using the TLC scanner method. The results showed clear variations in both metabolites among plant organs. Flowers had the highest tannin content, whereas the roots had the highest saponin content. These findings indicate an organ-specific distribution of bioactive compounds in M. melabathricum L. and suggest that this plant may serve as a promising botanical resource for further studies on methane mitigation. However, as the present study was limited to phytochemical characterization, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to verify the effects of this extract on rumen fermentation and methane production.
