PENGARUH SUPLEMENTASI MINERAL BLOCK TERHADAP PERFORMA BOBOT BADAN DAN KONSUMSI DOMBA JANTAN EKOR GEMUK PADA PROGRAM PENGGEMUKAN DI SAUDAGAR FARM

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mineral block supplementation on feed consumption and growth of fat-tailed male sheep in an intensive fattening system at Saudagar Farm, Cianjur. The research background stems from the importance of meeting mineral requirements in rations, considering that mineral deficiencies are still commonly found in sheep farms and have the potential to reduce production performance. The study aimed to analyze the effect of mineral blocks on the consumption of forage and concentrate, as well as on the average daily gain (ADG). The research was carried out over 60 days using 16 sheep divided into two groups: a control group (without mineral block) and a treatment group (with mineral block). Data were analyzed using an Independent t-Test after meeting the assumptions of normality and homogeneity. The results showed that mineral block supplementation significantly increased feed consumption during both the 30-day and 60-day periods (p < 0.05), with consumption differences of 14.74 kg and 6.99 kg, respectively. Growth parameters, including ADG at 30 days and 60 days, also showed significant improvements (p < 0.05), with differences of 0.11 kg/day and 0.06 kg/day, respectively, along with a significant increase in final body weight at day 30 and day 60. In conclusion, mineral blocks were proven effective in significantly enhancing feed consumption and daily growth rates, making them suitable for recommendation in intensive sheep fattening systems.