ALLOMETRIC GROWTH OF BODY WIDTH DIMENSIONS IN MALE SWAMP BUFFALOES DURING FATTENING IN KALIANGET VILLAGE, SERIRIT SUBDISTRICT, BULELENG REGENCY

Abstract

This study carried out three measurements of the body width of 20 male mud buffaloes in Kalianget Village, Seririrt Subdistrict, Buleleng Regency, over a period of three months. The aim of this study is to provide information regarding the growth rate of mud buffaloes so that proper management can be determined and maintained. Data on body width dimensions of male mud buffaloes were collected by using equipment to measure head width, front neck width, back neck width, chest width, and hip width. The data collection method used equipment to measure buffalo body dimensions, stationary tools for recording data, and a camera for documentation. The study result indicate that head width dimension grew early, followed by hip width, chest, back neck, and finally front neck width. Differences in the growth rate of body size among male buffaloes during fattening, aged 11-74 months, are attributed to variations in physiological demands and constituent components. Body sizes with mostly bone-heavy components like head width and hip width require early and faster growth arrest, resulting in a slower growth rate. Variations in the growth rate of male mud buffaloes during fattening are observed in body width dimensions. Head width (b=0.468) exhibits the smallest and slowest growth rate, followed by hip width (b=0.7271), chest width (b=1.018), rear neck width (b=1.061), and the most slowly growing front neck width (b=1.627). Farmers in selling their animals should consider their body size, which may have significant growth potential.