Daily movement patterns of Bali cows grazing under oil palm plantations in coastal areas

Abstract This study aimed to explore the cruising range of Bali cattle during the service period kept on oil palm plantations in the coastal areas of Bengkulu Province. Modified GPS was used to observe cows cruising range on flat and undulating topography. The cruising range was observed on traditional farms using semi-intensive livestock systems. Observation variables include cruising distance, cruising area, distance, and frequency of movement. Data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test and descriptively. The results showed that the cruising distance of Bali cows during the service period in flat topographic areas (917.50±91.05 m) was further than in undulating areas (647.50±63.74 m). The results also showed that the cruising area of Bali cows grazing in flat topographic areas (13,365.33±1,486.57 m2) was wider than in undulating areas (9,389.33±1,111.76 m2). On both flat and undulating topography, Bali cows tend to graze in the morning and in the afternoon and tend to move less towards midday and afternoon. The distance of movement of Bali cows ranges between 140.29±83.67 to 193.23±62.01 meters on flat topography and 71.76±52.42 to 158.67±64.37 meters on undulating topography. We conclude that different topography can impact the cruising range of Bali cows grazing under oil palm plantations.