Feed Sufficiency Model on Corn-Goat Integration in Deli Serdang Regency North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Feed sufficiency is defined as the balance between livestock needs and resources, particularly land, that can provide them. Feed sufficiency in the corn-goat integration model is sometimes unsustainable due to differences in the cycles of plants that produce feed sources and the cycles of livestock that require daily feed. The study aims to develop a model of feed provision for goats based on the potential of corn plants to determine the ideal number of livestock and corn land area in achieving sustainable feed adequacy. The research was conducted in Deli Serdang Regency from June to December 2021. The location was determined by purposive sampling on a corn planting area of 20 ha and a goat population from the core group of 154 heads. Data was analyzed descriptively, and feed sufficiency modelling was performed using a dynamic system model. The plant disease pest attacks (HPT) index is 4% in the vegetative phase and 2.5% in the generative phase. The biomass-to-feed conversion rate is 47.5%, and the feed need is 10% of the goat's weight. Dynamic system analysis was carried out on three models: (1) the existing model (a combination of 154 heads and 20 hectares per planting), (2) the improved model-1 (a combination of 154 heads and 20 hectares divided into two planting groups of 10 hectares each), and (3) the improved model-2 (a combination of 154 heads and 36 hectares divided into three planting groups of 12 ha each). The findings indicate that existing corn-goat integration management has not achieved sustainable feed adequacy. The optimal model is the improved model 2, which produces year-round feed adequacy while minimizing storage. This improved model-2 saves opportunity costs of IDR. 22,350,000 (U$1,442). Strengthening farming institutions is a strategy for implementing corn-goat integration, resulting in sustainable feed adequacy.