The Potential Side Product of the Oil Palm Plant as Animal Feed in Aceh Tamiang District, the Province of Aceh

Abstract

The province of Aceh is one of the provinces that prioritizes the development of palm oil commodities for the plantation sector. In the development of oil palm, the secondary products that can be produced are in the form of oil palm fronds. One of the problems faced in the development of cattle is the availability of feed, especially in the dry season, the lack of knowledge of the farmers about the benefits of palm oil by-products. Meanwhile, consumers' demand for meat from time to time continues to increase along with population growth,economic development, awareness of nutrition, and education level. The method used in this study is a survey method consisting of primary data and secondary data. The results of the study for local cattle using palm frond silage can increase cattle body weight by 0.34 kg/head/day and 0.99 kg/head/day for Brahman cattle in Aceh Tamiang district. It showed that the potential of palm oil by-products has a great chance as a source of cattle feed in the hope of increasing population and meat production to meet consumer needs.

Farmers’ perceptions of the accessibility of cattle feed in Aceh Tamiang Regency

“…Previous research conducted by Yusriani et al [5] taking place in Karang Baru District, Aceh Tamiang Regency showed that the by-product potential that had not been utilized was 2,718.23 tons/year and a carrying capacity of 2,384.41 (ST/year) for cattle and buffalo. This is an opportunity for the development of beef cattle in the district.…”