This paper reviews the current status of Bali cattle in Indonesia based on national and regional statistical records and research and subjective information from government and university officers and farming groups in the regions where Bali cattle are produced. The research found that Bali cattle are the predominant beef cattle in the Eastern Islands of Indonesia, amounting to around 80 per cent of the total 2.95 million Bali cattle in the country. Overall numbers have declined in three of the last four years, which is believed to be a long-term trend.

This article presents an overview of a management system that was established to monitor Bali cattle performance on the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa. Research was carried out over a three-year period in two villages on each island—one village adopting new management and the other retaining prevailing management. The primary components of new management were: controlled seasonal natural mating using a selected bull, calf weaning at 5-6 months of age and managing weaner diets.

Bali cattle is one of the four existing indigenous cattle breeds in Indonesia. This article reviews cattle characteristics and husbandry methods in the country with a special focus on the importance of Bali cattle. The study shows that indigenous cattle are an important and integral component of the small landholder cattle production system, which is essentially 'organic' in nature and the most sustainable system.