Muhammad Yasin Syihabuddin*

*Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Banjarbaru 70714, Indonesia

Fathin Imaduddin Hilmi

Graduate Program in Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia

Nisa Mufidah

Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Banjarbaru 70714, Indonesia

Henggi Apedro

Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Banjarbaru 70714, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19184/jsep.v19i1.60009

ABSTRACT 

Oil palm-cattle integration (SISKA) may improve smallholder efficiency, but welfare outcomes in plantation-based management can be compromised when farmers have limited animal welfare knowledge. This study assessed animal welfare knowledge among SISKA farmers and examined its association with farmer characteristics in Tanah Laut Regency. A cross-sectional survey of SISKA adopters (n = 76) was analysed. Knowledge was measured using seven Likert statements (1–5) aligned with the Five Freedoms, and score differences across farmer characteristics were tested using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.05). Overall knowledge was high (mean 4.08 ± 0.40). The highest-scoring statement concerned adequate space for standing, lying, and walking, while the lowest concerned recognising thin or weak cattle as an indicator of insufficient feeding. Knowledge scores differed significantly by age group, herd size category, and rearing pattern, with higher scores among semi-extensive farmers. Welfare support in SISKA should therefore prioritise applied field routines and targeted coaching, particularly for extensive systems, with emphasis on body condition monitoring, water and shade access, resting conditions, and low-stress handling.

Keywords: animal welfare; Five Freedoms; knowledge; SISKA; oil palm–cattle integration

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