Systematic integration of beef cattle in oil palm plantation [Malaysia]
2001
Rosli Awaludin ((Malaysia Palm Oil Board, 6 Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor (Malaysia)))
Cattle, which are generally assumed to be a problem in oil palm plantations, can actually be used as effective agents for the control of weeds in mature palms. A systematic integration of cattle in oil palm with the use of portable electric fences to control the animals proved to be workable. The rotational grazing system practiced for weed control can contribute to realizing the goal of an integrated pest management programme. A holistic approach in systematic integration can harmonize cattle with oil palm and is economically viable. At the end of 2000 there were 167 estates and 300 blocks of FELDA settlers systematically integraing 115,390 heads of cattle. Two economic models, the cow-calf and the males only were developed based on observations made at the estates practicing systematic integration. Based on the models the internal rate of return obtained for the cow-calf and the males only were 13% and 77%, respectively. The cost benefit ratio at a discount rate of 12% for the cow-calf model was 1.17 and for the males only model was 1.19. The net present value at the same discount rate obtained from the cow calf model was RM13,720 and for the males only system was RM703,062. Plantations should practice the systematic integration of beef cattle and oil palm since it is incorporated in the government policy and has been proven to be viable and potentially sustainable.
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