Author: D. R. Lindsay

Publisher:

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 104

ISBN-13:

The demand for beef continues to grow in response to increases in population and income. Satisfying this demand has been achieved by government sponsored expansion of the beef sector in some regions, importation of 'boxed' beef and live cattle, and increases in the off-take rate from established cattle populations. Such off-take from the Bali cattle heard in the Eastern Islands has led to speculation of a decline in numbers and loss of genetic merit of this important breed. Agaist this background ACIAR and CRIAS supported a project to provide a sound basis for government initiatives that support the Bali Cattle herd and the farmers who own and manage these cattle. The project considered the status of past and current breeding strategies and herd improvement programs, whether some of the concerns about herd size and quality are warranted, what breeding strategies would be best suited to the Eastern Islands, and what traits would be given highest priority in a breeding program. The project culminated in a workshop that brought together Indonesian and Australian expertise on Bali cattle production and herd improvement. These proceedings report input to that workshop and recommended strategies for the future development of the Bali cattle herd in eastern Indonesia.