Applicative Model in Utilizing Mulberry Plant as a Worth Feed Resource for Increasing Farmers’ Income

Abstract

Integration of mulberry plant and livestock can be optimal when implement the applicable management that promote benefits to the farmers, so it can support its sustainability. The aim of this research was to improve farmers’ income as well as animal productivity by exploring some applicative models. There were three applicative models which were tested: the P1 Model= introduction of two goats into the silkworm farming system to enable them to utilize mulberry leaves that are not consumed by the silkworms; the P2 Model= Using the whole mulberry plants as feed ingredients for two feedlot cattle; the P3 Model= Selling mulberry leaves produced for concentrate ingredient. Parameter measured was net income generated from each model. Result of the study indicated that integration models of mulberry plant with livestock have their own uniqueness to be applied. The highest income for farmer was obtained when the whole mulberry plant was used as feedstuff for feedlot cattle (the P2 model). Income of Silkworm farmers also increased when applying the P1 model, which introduced two goats for each box of silkworm rose. But in a certain occasion, it was more beneficial for the farmers to harvest and dry mulberry plant then sells it for concentrate ingredient (the P3 model). In conclusion, the main factor to be considered in choosing one particular model to be implemented is mainly determined by ability of the farmers to procure cattle or goat to be raised in the mulberry plant–livestock integration model without ignoring the forecast of dry and rainy seasons.