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1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202532Why Is The Growth Rate of Leucaena-Based Fattening Cattle Low In The Traditional Rearing Systems In West Timor?Marthen L. MullikFakultas Peternakan, Perikanan dan Kelautan, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Jl. Adisucipto, Kupang, NTT 85001, IndonesiaEmail: marthenmullik@staf.undana.ac.idAbstractThe Leucaena-based cattle production system in West Timor%u2014particularly the Amarasi Model%u2014is internationally recognized as one of the most efficient traditional cattle production systems in dryland areas. However, a critical question remains: How productive is this system? This is the central research question of the present study. A time-series survey was conducted from 2022 to 2024, involving 220 cattle farmers engaged in Leucaena-based cattle fattening systems in West Timor, Indonesia. Data collection employed a combination of questionnaire-guided interviews, observations, measurements, and focus group discussions. Initial interviews were conducted at the beginning of the study to establish a baseline of cattle production and management practices. Observations were carried out every two months to document daily cattle management and the rearing environment. Monthly body weight measurements were conducted on 200 fattened cattle from two cattle farming groups in four villages where leucaena-based cattle fattening has been practiced since late 1970es. Feed intake data and feed samples were collected for analysis of feed composition and nutrient content. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the average daily body weight gain was only 0.275 kg, with an average fattening duration of 22.5 months. Only 41.2% of cattle farmers applied specific selection criteria (based on experience rather than academic knowledge) when choosing feeder stock. Price of the feeder stock was the primary consideration in buying the stock. The average initial fattening weight was 147 kg, with an average age of 19 months. Feeding practices were not guided by an understanding of quantity, quality, feed composition, nutrient balance, and the animals%u2019 nutritional requirements. In conclusion, the productivity of the Leucaena-based cattle production system in West Timor is low, largely due to poor quality of feeder stock, and feed and nutrient imbalance. Key words: body weight gain, beef cattle, leucaena-based fattening, West Timor.