干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Bali cattle are the predominant breed in Nusa Tenggara, with a population of around 800 000 head. As a tropical semi-arid area, the region has a marked distinction between the wet and dry seasons which influences the availability of feed. The productivity of livestock increases during the wet season and decreases sharply during the dry season. Cattle management practised by farmers in Nusa Tenggara is divided into two categories: (i) semi-intensive, in which farmers have close contact with their animals, and (ii) extensive, in which the animals are mostly left to graze freely with a very small involvement by farmers. Given the wide variation in both management and the seasons, the productive performance of Bali cattle in Nusa Tenggara also varies widely. The calving rate for Bali cattle is higher than for Ongole cattle, but the mean calving rate of Bali cattle in Timor is lower than those recorded in Sumbawa, Lombok and Flores (64 +/- 12%, as against 72 +/- 22%, 74.4 +/- 11% and 78 +/- 13%). Most calving occurs during the dry season, and therefore good management and feeding for survival are required for both cows and calves. The inter-calving interval ranges from 12.5 to 19.7 months, averaging about 15 months. Overall, there is a need to intensify livestock production in the area through improved quality and availability of feed and better management systems.