Animal Welfare Study on Cattle in Tibona Village, Bulukumba Regency

Abstract

Animal welfare aims to create conditions that support the physical and mental health of animals, especially those in confined spaces, such as in captivity, farms, laboratories, or as pets and working animals. Tibona Village, which has the largest population of beef cattle in Bulukumpa District, was the location of the study conducted in July–August 2025, covering four 4 community farms in Sumpang Hamlet, Tibona Hamlet, and Mattoanging Hamlet, which have been operating for 5 to 10 years with more than 5 cows per farm. The methods used included interviews with farmers and direct observation based on the Animal Needs Index (ANI) 35-L/2000 indicators. The aspects assessed included locomotion, social contact, floor quality, lighting and air, and animal care. The results showed that pen A performed best, excelling in almost all aspects. Barn B followed, still meeting animal welfare standards. Barn C was quite good, but needed improvement in partition height and care. Barn D scored the lowest, especially in lying comfort, despite excelling in several subcategories. Overall, Barn A can be used as an ideal model, while the other barns still need improvement.