Analysis of Breeding Strategies to Improve Beef Cattle Productivity in Lowland Areas of West Java

Abstract

The Indonesian population’s increasing need for animal protein has yet to be addressed by the country’s existing beef cattle population. The development of the livestock sector is critical for increasing farmer welfare and boosting agricultural expansion. This study seeks to design a development strategy for smallholder beef cattle breeding farms in Cikedung Subdistrict, Indramayu Regency. The study was carried out on 51 farmers, 36 semi-intensive and 15 intensive farmers, using observation and interviews with questionnaires. The data was analyzed using IE, SWOT, and QSPM matrices. The majority of farmers were over 50 years old, had a primary school education, and saw cattle ranching as a secondary occupation. The Peranakan Ongole (PO) cattle were the most widely grown breed. Strategies to enhance the productivity of smallholder beef cattle breeding farms can be achieved through the optimization of resource utilization, improvement of product quality, and strengthening of partnerships. This should be accompanied by leveraging external opportunities, particularly support from local governments, and implementing regular evaluations to anticipate challenges. Strategic targets include increasing feed quality and availability, forming partnerships with stakeholders to minimize inbreeding and secure the procurement of breeding stock and market certainty, and enhancing livestock housing and security systems. It is anticipated that these strategies will improve smallholder cattle farming enterprises’ sustainability and production.