Abstract
Abstract
Oil palm decanter cake (PODC) has potential as a locally available feed resource in oil palm-growing regions, but its use is constrained by high moisture content, rapid deterioration, unequal access, and the absence of a formal supply chain. This study assessed the availability, nutritional value, spatial distribution, carrying capacity, and utilisation strategies of OPDC in Sintang Regency, Indonesia. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach included a survey of 11 palm oil mills, proximate and in vitro digestibility analyses, a nine-day storage observation, construction of a supply-chain index for 14 subdistricts, cattle-production simulation, interviews, and SWOT–TOWS analysis. Four mills produced 28.677 million kg of OPDC annually. Dried OPDC contained 16.52% crude protein, 21.78% crude fibre, 8.96% ether extract, and 89.71% total digestible nutrients; organic matter digestibility reached 92.54%. Under the study scenario, the available OPDC could support 20,801 cattle over a 300-day period, produce 4.516 million kg of beef, and provide 37.69% of the modelled regional animal-protein requirement. Priority strategies include moisture reduction at the mill, regional feed hubs, quality standards, mill–farmer contracts, and pilot areas for oil palm–cattle integration.