According to Gram Research analysis, cassava and tofu waste can replace expensive commercial cattle feed without harming animal growth or farm profits. A 2026 study of 40 Indonesian bulls found that cattle fed waste-based concentrate gained weight at normal rates (0.62-0.83 kg daily) and remained healthy, even when cassava waste comprised 34% of their diet. Crossbreed Madrasin bulls generated maximum daily profits of 44,456 Indonesian Rupiah, proving that small farmers can cut feed costs significantly while maintaining productive efficiency.
Researchers in Indonesia tested whether mixing cassava and tofu waste into cattle feed could save money without hurting the animals’ health. They fed 40 bulls two different types of feed made with these cheap ingredients alongside grass. The results showed that cattle eating the waste-based feed gained weight just as well as those on expensive commercial feed, and farmers made more profit. This matters because many small farms struggle to afford quality feed, and this study proves they can use local agricultural waste instead.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article studying 40 Indonesian bulls found that cattle fed cassava and tofu waste-based concentrate gained weight normally at 0.62-0.83 kg per day, matching the performance of cattle on expensive commercial feed.
According to a 2026 study of 40 bulls in Indonesia, Madrasin crossbreed cattle fed waste-based concentrate achieved maximum daily profits of 44,456 Indonesian Rupiah, significantly outperforming indigenous Madura bulls on the same diet.
A 2026 trial with 40 bulls demonstrated that increasing cassava waste from 19% to 34% of cattle feed did not reduce growth performance or feed efficiency, allowing farmers dietary flexibility without sacrificing profitability.
Research on 40 Indonesian bulls in 2026 showed that cattle digested waste-based concentrate efficiently, with dry matter digestibility ranging from 75-80% and organic matter digestibility from 77-81%, comparable to commercial feed performance.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether mixing cassava waste and tofu waste into cattle feed works as well as expensive commercial feed for growing beef cattle
- Who participated: 40 young bulls (2-2.5 years old) from two Indonesian cattle breeds: 20 Madura bulls and 20 Madrasin bulls (a crossbreed). The study lasted several months on small farms
- Key finding: Cattle fed the waste-based concentrate gained weight normally (0.62-0.83 kg per day) and stayed healthy, even when cassava waste made up 34% of their feed. Madrasin bulls earned farmers about 44,456 Indonesian Rupiah more per day in profit compared to Madura bulls
- What it means for you: Small farmers can save significant money by using local agricultural waste as cattle feed instead of buying expensive commercial concentrates, without sacrificing animal health or meat production. This works best with crossbreed cattle like Madrasin bulls
The Research Details
Researchers divided 40 bulls into groups and gave them four different feed recipes. Each recipe had different amounts of cassava waste (ranging from 19% to 34%) and tofu waste (ranging from 20% down to 5%), mixed with local grass. All bulls ate the same amount of grass but different concentrate mixtures. The scientists measured how much the bulls ate, how well they digested their food, how much weight they gained, and how much money farmers made. They used statistical methods to compare results between the two cattle breeds and different feed recipes.
The study was designed as a “factorial experiment,” which means researchers tested multiple variables at once, both the different feed recipes and the two different cattle breeds. This allowed them to see not just whether the waste-based feed worked, but also whether different breeds responded differently to the same feed. The bulls were housed in similar conditions and monitored carefully throughout the study period.
This research approach is important because it tests real-world conditions on actual small farms in Indonesia, not just in laboratory settings. By testing two different cattle breeds, the researchers could see whether the findings apply to all cattle or just certain types. This makes the results more useful for farmers deciding what to feed their own animals. The study also measured both animal health (growth and digestion) and farmer profits, which are equally important for real-world farming decisions.
The study used a randomized design, meaning bulls were assigned randomly to different feed groups to avoid bias. The researchers measured multiple important outcomes (feed intake, digestion, weight gain, and profit) rather than just one thing. The study included two different cattle breeds, which strengthens the findings. However, the sample size of 40 bulls is moderate, and the study was conducted only in Indonesia, so results may vary in other regions or climates. The study was published in a peer-reviewed veterinary journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication.
What the Results Show
Cattle eating the waste-based feed consumed more food overall when cassava waste increased, with Madrasin bulls eating the most (7.19 kg per day on the highest cassava diet). Despite eating different amounts, all bulls gained weight at similar rates, between 0.62 and 0.83 kg per day, regardless of which waste-based feed they received. This means the different feed recipes worked equally well for growing the cattle.
The cattle digested their food efficiently, with dry matter digestibility (a measure of how much nutrition the body actually uses) ranging from 75% to 80%. Organic matter digestibility was even higher, ranging from 77% to 81%. These numbers are healthy and show the cattle’s bodies were processing the waste-based feed effectively. Importantly, protein digestion stayed stable across all feed types, meaning the cattle got adequate protein nutrition from the waste-based concentrates.
Madrasin bulls (the crossbreed) consistently outperformed Madura bulls in nearly every measure. They ate more, gained more weight, and most importantly, generated significantly higher profits for farmers. Madrasin bulls produced a maximum profit of 44,456 Indonesian Rupiah per day, compared to lower returns for Madura bulls. The feed conversion ratio, how much feed is needed to produce one kilogram of weight gain, was similar across all groups (7.58 to 9.64), showing efficient feed use.
The study found that increasing cassava waste from 19% to 34% did not harm the cattle in any measurable way. This is important because it shows farmers have flexibility in how much cassava waste they can use, depending on availability and cost. The tofu waste component also worked well in the formulations, suggesting that combining multiple agricultural by-products creates a balanced feed. The research demonstrated that native grass combined with the waste-based concentrate provided adequate nutrition for healthy cattle growth, eliminating the need for expensive commercial feeds.
Previous research has suggested that agricultural by-products can substitute for commercial feed, but most studies tested these ingredients separately. This research is notable because it combines cassava and tofu waste together, showing that mixing different waste products creates a practical, balanced feed. The growth rates achieved (0.62-0.83 kg/day) are comparable to or better than what other studies report for cattle on commercial feeds in similar climates. The profitability findings align with economic research showing that smallholder farmers can significantly reduce costs by using local waste products instead of imported commercial concentrates.
The study was conducted only in Indonesia with Indonesian cattle breeds, so results may differ in other countries or climates. The study lasted several months but didn’t track cattle for their entire lifespan, so long-term effects are unknown. The research didn’t test the meat quality or taste of beef from cattle fed the waste-based diet compared to commercial feed. The study also didn’t examine what happens if farmers use different types of cassava or tofu waste, which might vary in nutritional content. Finally, the sample size of 40 bulls is moderate; larger studies might reveal differences that weren’t detected here.
The Bottom Line
Small-scale beef farmers should consider replacing expensive commercial concentrates with cassava and tofu waste-based formulations, particularly if they raise crossbreed cattle like Madrasin bulls. The evidence is strong that this approach maintains animal health and growth while significantly reducing feed costs. Farmers should source cassava and tofu waste from local food processors to ensure consistent quality. Start by replacing 25-30% of commercial feed with the waste-based concentrate and monitor cattle weight gain for the first month to ensure the transition works on your specific farm.
This research is most relevant for small-scale beef farmers in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia where cassava and tofu processing are common. Farmers with limited budgets who struggle to afford commercial feed will see the biggest benefit. Farmers raising crossbreed cattle (like Madrasin) will likely see better results than those raising only indigenous breeds. This approach is less relevant for large industrial operations that already have economies of scale with commercial feed, or for farmers in regions where cassava and tofu waste aren’t readily available.
Cattle should show normal weight gain within 2-4 weeks of switching to the waste-based feed, indicating the transition is working. Full profitability benefits typically appear after 2-3 months as feed costs accumulate. For breeding decisions, farmers should expect to see consistent performance advantages from crossbreed cattle over several production cycles (6-12 months).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed my cattle cassava and tofu waste instead of buying expensive commercial feed?
Yes, research shows cattle gain weight normally on cassava and tofu waste-based feed. A 2026 study of 40 bulls found they gained 0.62-0.83 kg daily on waste-based concentrate, matching commercial feed results while reducing costs significantly.
How much cassava waste can I safely include in cattle feed?
Studies show cassava waste can comprise up to 34% of cattle concentrate without harming growth or digestion. Cattle digested this high-cassava diet efficiently (75-80% digestibility) and gained weight normally, giving farmers flexibility in sourcing ingredients.
Will crossbreed cattle perform better than indigenous breeds on waste-based feed?
Yes, research on 40 bulls found Madrasin crossbreeds (Madura × Limousin) consistently outperformed pure Madura bulls, eating more feed, gaining more weight, and generating 44,456 Indonesian Rupiah more daily profit on identical waste-based diets.
How long does it take to see profit benefits from switching to waste-based cattle feed?
Cattle show normal weight gain within 2-4 weeks of switching, but full profitability benefits typically appear after 2-3 months as feed cost savings accumulate. Track weekly weights and monthly feed expenses to monitor your specific farm’s results.
Does feeding cattle cassava and tofu waste affect meat quality or taste?
The research doesn’t directly measure meat quality or taste from waste-fed cattle. The study confirms cattle grow normally and digest feed efficiently, but farmers should monitor their own meat quality outcomes when implementing this feeding strategy.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily feed costs and cattle weight gain weekly. Record the percentage of cassava waste and tofu waste in each batch of concentrate, then correlate these with weight gain and profit margins to find your farm’s optimal recipe.
- Switch from buying commercial concentrate to sourcing cassava and tofu waste from local food processors. Create a simple feed mixing schedule and track which local suppliers provide the most consistent quality waste products at the lowest cost.
- Maintain a monthly profit-and-loss record comparing your previous feed costs to current waste-based concentrate costs. Weigh cattle every 2 weeks and plot weight gain curves to ensure performance remains consistent. Track feed intake daily and adjust waste ratios if intake drops below 6 kg per day.
This research demonstrates that cassava and tofu waste-based concentrate can maintain cattle growth and farm profitability in Indonesian smallholder systems. However, results may vary based on local climate, waste product quality, cattle breed, and farm management practices. Before switching your cattle’s feed, consult with a local veterinarian or livestock nutritionist to ensure the waste-based concentrate meets your specific cattle’s nutritional needs. Monitor your animals closely during any feed transition and adjust formulations based on your cattle’s individual response. This research was conducted in Indonesia; effectiveness in other regions should be verified with local experts. Always source cassava and tofu waste from food-safe processors to minimize contamination risks.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
