Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

The objective of this research was to evaluate the growth dynamics in body size of high-potential male Bali cattle during the fattening period. Growth differences in body size can be attributed to the composition of body parts, with those predominantly composed of bone maturing earlier than those consisting mainly of muscle or fat. Throughout the fattening process, variations in the growth rates of male Bali cattle's body sizes were observed, reflecting disparities in their potential body sizes. Specifically, male Bali cattle exhibiting higher growth rates possess greater growth potential, whereas those with lower rates may have limited growth potential or have reached their maximal body size. The mapping of the body sizes of male Bali cattle during fattening allows farmers to identify the optimal body size benchmarks for determining appropriate slaughter weights and ages, thereby maximizing economic profitability. Data were collected from all male Bali cattle based on health and physical condition criteria within the fattening pen of the Abdi Pertiwi Banjar Livestock Farmers Group, located in Patas village, Gerogak sub-district, Buleleng district, Bali. Body size measurements were conducted three times in a month. These data were analyzed using power model regression analysis to ascertain the growth rates of the cattle's body sizes. Furthermore, Promax rotational biplot analysis was utilized for growth rate mapping, with the estimated body sizes derived from the power regression equation serving as variables and the ages of the male Bali cattle as objects. The findings of this research revealed that neck circumference exhibited the highest growth rate or greatest potential, followed by chest circumference, body length, hip circumference, and hip height, with shoulder height showing the slowest or least potential. Growth rate measurements of male Bali cattle aged thirteen to twenty-two months shown on the biplot graphs indicated a still significant growth potential. Body sizes closest to the overall body size, particularly chest circumference and body length located in quadrant I, are the most accurate predictors for estimating the body weight of male Bali cattle during the 13-22 month fattening period.