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. Data collected included diary, pedigree, growth, mating management and outcome, ownership, health, diet, commodity use and weather. All data was linked to a unique animal number and was replicated in village and office books. A technical officer on each island supported all aspects of the village beef business at both villages, and the officers were in turn supported by a scientist. Overall, the monitoring system was very effective in providing a full data set for village cattle production and demonstrated high reproductive capacity of Bali cattle. However, the success of the system was highly dependent on the dedication and skills of the technical officers.

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