Density and Carrying Capacity of Smallholder Bali Cattle (Case Study in the Breeding Source Area Palangga District South Konawe Regency) Indonesia

Abstract The density of Bali cattle in a breeding source area can affect the region’s ability to accommodate the livestock population developed by the local community. To determine the carrying capacity of the area, calculations must be based on feed availability, particularly forage sources (such as grasses and legumes) and agricultural by-products. This study aimed to analyze the density and carrying capacity of Bali cattle in the breeding source area of Palangga District, South Konawe Regency, using livestock density analysis and forage carrying capacity based on land resources. A purposive sampling (PS) method was used to select the study location, with Palangga District chosen as the study area. The respondents comprised all cattle farmers in the district, totaling 758 Bali cattle farmers. Data were collected through surveys and structured interviews and processed using Microsoft Excel. The results revealed that the study area has the potential for Bali cattle breeding development, with an economic density categorized as high (139.48 LU/1,000 people), a farming density categorized as low (0.14 LU/ha), and a regional density categorized as moderate (12.54 LU/km 2 ), indicating that there is still capacity to increase the livestock population. The combination of livestock density, distribution area, and development strategy places the region in the farm-area combination, while the development area falls under the economy-farm and economy-area combinations. The carrying capacity results show that the CIRLPvalue, with an additional 4,731 LU, is found in several villages, including Waworaha, Aosole, Watumerembe, Kiaea, Palangga, Kapu Jaya, Watudemba, and Sangi-Sangi. These findings provide opportunities for farmers to expand their livestock businesses while simultaneously promoting local economic growth through the sustainable development of the Bali cattle farming sector.