Productivity and feed management strategies of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) at the special purpose forest area (KHDTK) of Aek Nauli

Abstract

The availability of feed plants is one of the most important components in improving the breeding ability of sambar deer in captivity. Planting program and productivity assessment of feed plants are necessary to ensure the availability of feed plants for deer, including deer management demonstration plot at Aek Nauli KHDTK. This study was aimed to observe the productivity and nutritional contents of sambar deer feed plants in Aek Nauli KHDTK. This study was performed at the deer feed plant plot. Sampling activities were conducted in the 1x1 m2 plot (for grass) and 2 x 2 m2 (for non-grass such as shrubs and herbs). The results showed that the productivity of 6 feed plants is about 51,56 kg day-1 (fresh weight) or 19,52 kg day-1 (dry weight); indicating that these plants meet the needs of 5 deer which are requiring 38.82 kg feed day-1. The average productivity of feed plants in the dominant dry days was about 33,342.75 kg ha-1 year-1 (fresh weight) or 14,977.17 kg ha-1 year-1 (dry weight). The productivity of feed plants in the dominant rainy days was about 60,687.33 kg ha-1 year-1 (fresh weight) or 20,287.92 kg ha-1 year-1 (dry weight). Nutritional contents of feed plants are water content (56.3-66.0%), protein (0.037-0.156%), ash content (5.891-7.199%), fat content (1.751-10.089%), and carbohydrate (21.597-33.932%). Required feed management strategies are regular weeding, block division, rotational harvesting system, fertilizing, watering (during the dry season), and providing additional feeds and supplements such as Pennisetum purpureum, Calliandra callothyrsus, Artocarpus heterophyllus, and Manihot utilissima.