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KUCHING, Sept 22: If you’re interested in cattle farming, look no further than 67-year-old Stockman Mohd Johari Leman, the go-to person for insights into raising cattle.
Mohd Johari offers valuable advice for locals aspiring to raise cattle, emphasizing the importance of having a genuine interest in the endeavor, providing the right food, and securing a suitable location.
He proudly shared that he has been caring for cattle, including bulls, cows, and calves, for the past 40 years, starting in 1983. His journey began with PPES Ternak Sdn Bhd and continued with the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra).
“While I may not be a certified cattle veterinarian, I have accumulated extensive knowledge about cattle farming and the animals themselves through hands-on experience over the years,” he stated, speaking at Sarawak Agrofest 2023.
“I learned the ins and outs of dealing with cattle during my time with PPES and had the opportunity to work alongside qualified veterinarians who specialized in livestock.”
Currently, Mohd Johari is employed by the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) and is involved in integrated systems on oil palm plantations and cattle farming across nine estates with a total of 3,000 herds.
Mohd Johari highlighted that raising cattle or any livestock requires commitment and a genuine passion for working with animals. Understanding the animals’ needs and their environment is crucial.
“There are two ways to raise these animals. One option is to have ample space and a ranch, while the other involves rearing one or two cattle, which is often done by villagers,” he explained.
He recommended two types of cattle suitable for the tropical climate: the Brahman breed from Australia and the Bali breed from Indonesia.
“For optimal cattle production, the recommended ratio is 1:20, which means one bull for every twenty cows, provided there are adequate facilities. So, with ten bulls, you can manage two hundred cows,” he elaborated.
Mohd Johari emphasized that one of the primary threats to cattle farming is foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and strict precautions must be followed to protect the cattle.
In terms of nutrition, he advised that cattle should be fed the right food, with Napier grass being their primary staple diet. He added that other suitable feed options include palm kernel expeller, decanter cake, soybean waste, soybean, palm fronds, EFB pellets, or a combination thereof, to ensure the animals remain healthy and well-fed.
“If you find cattle farming enjoyable and have a genuine love for these animals, along with the necessary prerequisites, it can be a lucrative industry,” concluded Mohd Johari. — DayakDaily
