Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXIV, Issue 2
Written by Diana Anis SELVIE, Agnitje RUMAMBI, Siane RIMBING, Constantyn SUMOLANG
Indonesia is one of the larger producer copra in the world, so coconut still economic backbone of society. A tropical grass namely koronivia grass well adapted under mature coconuts, crude protein content lower than minimum requirement in the ruminant diet, carrying capacity able to provide only the needs of total digestible nutrient for cattle with bodyweight no exceed to 250 Kg. Needs inorganic nitrogen fertilizer application but costly and occurred negative impacts on the environment. Herbaceous legume integrated as mixed pasture failed to persist due to the aggressiveness of this koronivia grass. This research aims to study the ability of tree legume Indigofera zollingeriana as a source of protein and dry matter to enhance the carrying capacity. Koronivia grass solely could provide dry matter, crude protein and TDN for cattle with body weight 250 Kg, and I. zollingeriana as well, but the latter provides crude protein more, almost double than koronivia. Both species altogether in the same space and management could provide feeds to fulfil the requirement of cattle more than 250 kg body weight.
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