An Economic Model of Small Ruminant Production in Small Scale Drylans Farming Systems in West Timor, Indonesia

Many farmers in West Timor operate small-scale mixed crop-livestock farms. In most of these farms, productivity of livestock production systems is quite low. There is, however, a potential to improve the contribution of livestock to total household income. Combining breeding and fattening represents an alternative for improving livestock production systems. To examine the feasibility of this production system, a study was conducted in three districts in West Timor. A model of small ruminant production systems was constructed. The production model included economics as well as biological parameters such as age of sexual maturity, age at first mating and age at first kidding. Results of the study indicated that both enterprises would yield positive returns. The financial indicators all showed favourable return from these investments