<![CDATA[ABSTRAKPenelitian ini mengeksplorasi komposisi botani dan kandungan nutrisi rumput alam di padang penggembalaan Kecamatan Mollo Utara, Kabupaten Timor Tengah Selatan, dalam mendukung ketahanan pangan lokal dan kesejahteraan peternak. Dilaksanakan pada Februari-Juli 2013, penelitian bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi jenis tanaman pakan dan nilai nutrisinya agar dapat menunjang pertumbuhan ternak serta menyusun rencana pengelolaan padang penggembalaan yang berkelanjutan. Menggunakan metode "Dry Weight Rank," studi ini mencatat spesies hijauan di plot berukuran 1 x 1 m², dengan analisis nutrisi dilakukan di laboratorium. Hasil menunjukkan padang penggembalaan didominasi rumput (73,27%), diikuti legum (7,10%) dan gulma (19,63%). Kandungan protein kasar rumput berkisar 11,45%-12,51%, dan serat kasar 22,82%-27,61%. Kesimpulannya, komposisi padang penggembalaan yang didominasi rumput dengan kadar protein memadai berpotensi mendukung produktivitas ternak, sementara pengelolaan lahan yang tepat dapat meningkatkan kualitas pakan dan mendukung keberlanjutan peternakan. Kata kunci: Pastura, Komposisi botani, Kandungan nutrisi, Protein Kasar, Serat Kasar ABSTRACTThis research explores the botanical composition and nutritional content of natural grasses in pasture, Mollo Utara District, South Central Timor Regency, supporting local food security and farmer welfare. Conducted from February to July 2013, the study aims to identify forage species and their nutritional value to support livestock growth and develop sustainable grazing land management plans. Using the "Dry Weight Rank" method, this study recorded forage species within 1 x 1 m² plots, with nutritional analysis conducted in the laboratory. Results showed that the grazing land was dominated by grasses (73.27%), followed by legumes (7.10%) and weeds (19.63%). The crude protein content of the grasses ranged from 11.45% to 12.51%, with crude fiber content between 22.82% and 27.61%. In conclusion, the grass-dominated botanical composition with adequate protein levels has the potential to support livestock productivity, while proper land management can improve feed quality and sustain livestock farming. Keywords: Pasture, Botanical composition, Nutritional content, Crude Protein, Crude Fiber]]>
