Abstract:
Swamp buffalo on Kalimantan island is reared under an extensive production system. Minimum
farmer input and decreasing swamp grass availability during the wet season lead to lower buffalo
morphometrics, lower reproductive performances, and a higher calf mortality rate. This participatory
study was conducted to evaluate the calf's performance after receiving a concentrate feed formulated
using water mimosa (Neptunia oleracea) leaf meal as a protein source. Results of the study showed
that water mimosa leaf meal has high crude protein content (>30%). After 4 months of observation,
feeding concentrate feed formulated with water mimosa leaf meal as a protein source improved the
growth of swamp buffalo calves. The calves in concentrate feed group showed body weight gain of
14.84 kg/month, growths of chest girth 13.6 cm, and height at wither 5.6 cm those improved
compared to those in the group that did not offer concentrate feed that had the growths in chest girth
9.2 cm and height at wither 5.2 cm. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of using
water mimosa leaf meals as a protein source for concentrate feed, which can enhance the growth of
buffalo calves while resolving the issue of water mimosa invasion in the swamp area.
