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1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202529Analysis of Cattle Production Dynamics and Resource Utilization for Sustainable Beef Cattle Farming in Timor-LesteF.S.L. Soares and E.A. Serr%u00e3oDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa%u2019e, Timor-Leste.AbstractBeef cattle, particularly the Bali breed, isthe primary source of beef production in TimorLeste. This breed was domesticated from the Banteng (Bos javanicus or Bos sondaicus), which is native to the western part of Java, and has been raised in various regions of Indonesia and Timor-Leste. A significant challenge in the development of this breed stems from subsistence farming practices, which include inadequate year-round feed availability and the poor nutritional quality of natural pastures, especially during the dry season. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the dynamics of beef production in Timor-Leste and to identify strategies that could enhance the efficiency of cattle production. This objective was addressed through several key approaches: improving natural pasture productivity, optimizing the management of grass production systems in hydrographic areas, and increasing maize production for cattle feed. The study also aims to evaluate and develop typical production curves for local grasses while characterizing the quantitative and qualitative aspects of natural pastures and forages across selected municipalities: Bobonaro, Covalima, Manufahi, Viqueque, and Lautem. In addition, effective cultivation practices for imported grass species, such as elephant grass and King grass, were also explored. These strategies were intended to enhance cattle feeding practices by integrating introduced grasses into hydrographic zones to increase overall grass production. Results indicated that the average production of natural grasses across the five districts was 14.90 %u00b1 1.29 tons/ha/year (dry matter), with a range of 14.01 to 16.59 tons/ha/year. In contrast, the average production of introduced grasses was 67.08 %u00b1 14.93 tons/ha/year, with a range of 51.84 to 81.70 tons dry matter/ha/year. Regression analysis revealed no significant differences in natural grass production among the municipalities (P>0.05); however, significant differences were observed between local and intriduced grass production (P<0.05). Furthermore, local grasses can support approximately 4.54 animal units per hectare per year (assuming 3% dry matter intake per animal unit per day for a body weight of 300 kg), whereas introduced grasses can support about 20.42 animal units per hectare per year. This analysis provides critical insights into the resource dynamics that can enhance sustainable cattle production practices in Timor-Leste. Identifying effective management strategies will be essential to overcoming current challenges in beef production and ensuring food security in the region.Keywords: Bali cattle; local grass; imported grass; hydrographic area; sustainable production.