The Influence of Altitude of Place on Birth Weight and 3-Month Weight of Bali Cattle on Beef Cattle Breeding Participatory System in Barru Regency

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the difference in birth weight and 3-month weight of Bali cattle that were reared at different heights. This research was carried out on January 20, 2022, located in Barru Regency. The results showed that Bali cattle at an altitude of <100 masl ( 14.26±0.45a ) differed from birth weight at an altitude of >200 masl (14.00 0.75 b). This indicates that the altitude has a significant effect on cattle birth weight,;the higher the place, the lower the birth weight. The low birth weight of cattle is due to the semi-intensive cattle rearing management ssystem,and the grazing process for cows in lowland areas tends to be better than in highland areas with hilly topography. Based on the body weight of 3 months old Bali cattle from the results of the study the average weight of Bali cattle at an altitude of <100 masl was of 64.86 ± 7.37 kg in average, while at an altitude of 100-200 masl was of 64.06 ± 7.98 kg in average and at an altitude of >200 was of 62.90 ± 7.83 kg in average. This shows that the weight of the cow calf at 3 months’ measurement is not different, and that the place’s altitude has no significant effect on body weight of 3 months old cattle. Artificial insemination (AI) and natural mating methods had a significant effect on birth weight. The average birth weight of calves from cows using the AI method was 16.48 ± 1.27 kg and in natural mating, the average birth weight was 14.08 ±0.63 kg. The average calf weight with the AI mating method was 70.68 4.11 kg, and the average calf weight with the natural mating method was 57.20 3.77 kg, based on the weight of 3-month-old Bali cattle and the results of research with the AI mating method. This is because the growth rate at 3 months of age is still considered fast growth and the weaning period is still dependent on the parent. The conclusion of this study was that the birth weight and 3-month weight of Bali cattle are influenced by different altitudes. The weight of Bali cattle calves at an altitude of <100 masl was significantly different from an altitude of >200 masl. Birth weight and 3-month weight of cattle with the AI mating method were better than the natural mating method