Analysis of Feed Carrying Capacity for Ruminant Livestock in Madura Island, Indonesia

A region is considered self-sustainable when the feed provision is adequate for all livestock demands. Livestock is fed in order to supply nutrient needs for maintenance, growth, and reproduction purposes. This study aimed to determine whether Madura Island in Indonesia is able to independently provide sufficient forage for its ruminant livestock. A Carrying Capacity Index (CCI) in four regions of Madura Island was determined and then, the capacity to sustain additional ruminant livestock was calculated. The results showed that Sumenep and Pamekasan with average values of 454306 and 90663 BKC had the highest and lowest potentials for the supply of fresh forage, respectively. Sumenep also had the best carrying capacity of all the analyzed regions, supporting up to 231879 ST ruminants. Also, the results suggest that Madura Island was already at overcapacity with the livestock population that exceeds the region’s capability to provide feed from fresh or waste agricultural products.