Sustainable Pathways for Cattle Fattening Enterprises: Insights from Global Bibliometric Trends and a Localized SWOT Driven Case Study

Data were collected from Scopus on February 2, 2026, resulting in a total of 478 records published between 2020 and 2025. After applying the initial screening procedures to remove irrelevant and duplicate entries, 130 records were retained for further assessment. The subsequent inclusion process focused on identifying studies containing key terms that emerged prominently in 2023, specifically nutrition, meat quality, and climate change. From this targeted evaluation, 34 records were ultimately deemed relevant and included in the final dataset, providing a more refined foundation for analysis within the context of contemporary research themes as shown in Figure 1.

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Figure 1. PRISMA diagram

The Boolean search strategy for the topic “Cattle Fattening Enterprises” can be structured as: TITLE-ABS-KEY (("cattle fattening" OR "beef fattening" OR "feedlot system*" OR "feedlot operation*" OR "beef finishing" OR "cattle finishing" OR "beef cattle enterprise*") AND ("enterprise*" OR "business" OR "farm management" OR "production efficiency" OR "economic analysis" OR "profitability" OR "technical efficiency" OR "income" OR "value chain")). This logic ensures comprehensive retrieval of studies addressing cattle fattening or feedlot systems while narrowing the focus to enterprise-level, managerial, and economic dimensions. Filters may be applied for publication years (e.g., 2010–2026), document type (articles and reviews), subject areas (agricultural sciences, veterinary, environmental science, economics), and English language to improve relevance and quality.

Inclusion criteria should cover peer-reviewed empirical or modeling studies that explicitly examine cattle fattening, beef finishing, or feedlot production systems from an enterprise, economic, management, efficiency, or sustainability perspective. Exclusion criteria should remove studies focused solely on dairy systems without fattening components, general cattle growth physiology without business context, post-farm meat processing or consumer behavior topics, non-peer-reviewed documents (conference abstracts, editorials, book chapters), inaccessible full texts, and research centered on other livestock species such as sheep, goats, poultry, or swine.

Figure 2 illustrates the distribution of documents by year in Scopus. Based on Scopus records for the keyword “Cattle Fattening Business” during 2020–2025, annual publications initially increased from 82 documents in 2020 to 87 in 2021. This was followed by a gradual decline through 2022 (75) and 2023 (70), with a slight stabilization in 2024 (71). In 2025, however, the volume of publications rose sharply to 93. Overall, the trend reflects sustained scholarly interest, marked by a mid-period slowdown and a strong recovery in 2025.

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Figure 2. Documents by year in Scopus

Figure 3 shows the Network visualization in VOSviewer. The VOSviewer network for the keyword “Cattle Fattening Enterprises” reveals a tightly connected landscape anchored by central terms such as beef cattle, beef production, sustainability, and feedlot, indicating that research on fattening systems sits at the intersection of production management and broader sustainability concerns. Node proximity and dense linkages around these hubs show that studies routinely co‑mention operational factors (feedlot management, finishing) together with outcome variables (carcass traits, meat quality) and system-level themes (climate change, greenhouse gas emissions). The overall structure suggests an integrative literature in which production efficiency, product quality, animal health, and environmental impacts are discussed together rather than in isolation.

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Figure 3. Network visualization in VOSviewer

Distinct color-coded clusters highlight thematic emphases. A red cluster centers on cattle, finishing, pasture, fatty acids, nutrition, growth, and bovine respiratory disease/antimicrobial resistance, reflecting a strand that links feeding strategies and health management to product attributes. A green cluster groups feedlot, feed efficiency, performance, animal welfare, carcass, and even sheep, pointing to comparative and management-focused studies on efficiency and welfare outcomes in intensive systems. The blue cluster connects sustainability with meat quality, carcass characteristics, and climate change, indicating that product quality is increasingly framed within sustainability discussions. Finally, a yellow cluster joins life cycle assessment, greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use, grass‑fed, livestock, and profitability, mapping a literature that quantifies environmental footprints and economic trade-offs across alternative fattening pathways.

Cross-cluster links are numerous, e.g., feedlot (green) ties to sustainability (blue) and life cycle assessment (yellow), while nutrition/finishing (red) connects to meat quality (blue), underscoring the field’s multidimensional nature. The prominence of AMR/respiratory disease threads into sustainability and welfare, signaling rising concern over responsible health management in fattening enterprises. Likewise, connections among grass‑fed, profitability, and GHG emissions suggest growing attention to the economic–environment nexus of alternative production systems. Overall, the network depicts a mature but evolving research domain where efficiency, health, quality, welfare, and environmental performance are converging, with opportunities for integrated work that combines LCA metrics with on‑farm efficiency and welfare interventions to guide evidence-based improvements in cattle fattening operations.

The first keyword that emerged and is interesting to research in 2023 is climate change, as shown in Figure 4. Climate change poses a pressing threat to global agriculture, including cattle fattening enterprises. These enterprises are likely to experience significant impacts from changing climatic conditions, which can affect cattle health, growth rates, feed quality, and ultimately profitability. Increased temperatures can lead to heat stress in cattle, resulting in lower feed efficiency and reduced weight gain [12, 13]. Studies have shown that as temperatures rise, cattle productivity decreases, manifesting in alterations in growth parameters and metabolic functions as they cope with thermal stress [14]. Furthermore, the interplay between climate dynamics and feed resource availability becomes crucial; erratic weather patterns can exacerbate drought and reduce forage quality, impacting the nutritional intake necessary for optimal cattle growth [15, 16].

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Figure 4. Overlay visualization in VOSviewer

Water scarcity represents another significant challenge in the context of climate change that directly affects cattle fattening. With increased evaporation rates and changing precipitation patterns, the availability of water resources for cattle and crop irrigation becomes limited [17, 18]. Research has revealed that cattle fattening enterprises may face increased costs as they seek to secure reliable water sources, thereby impacting overall operational viability [19, 20]. Additionally, access to quality feed remains a critical factor. As climates become more extreme, forage yields may suffer, leading to fluctuations in feed prices and quality. An integrated approach that considers both adaptation and mitigation strategies may be necessary for farmers to navigate these challenges effectively [21].

The role of policy in addressing climate change implications is vital for the sustainability of cattle fattening enterprises. Effective policies should integrate both adaptation and mitigation strategies to enhance resilience against climate extremes. Public engagement and citizen participation in decision-making processes can bolster climate actions at local levels, facilitating smoother transitions to sustainable practices [22, 23]. Additionally, investing in innovative agricultural practices and technologies such as improved water management systems, alternative feed sources, and advanced breeding strategies can help enhance the adaptability of cattle operations [13]. Strengthening policy frameworks to incorporate these elements can ensure that cattle fattening not only survives the challenges posed by climate change but also thrives in a more sustainable manner, leading to improved economic outcomes and environmental stewardship [24]. To thrive amid these challenges, stakeholders must prioritize integrated approaches that address both immediate operational issues and long-term sustainability goals. Continuous adaptation to changing climate conditions, supported by sound policy frameworks and community engagement, will be essential to ensure the viability of cattle fattening enterprises in a climate-constrained future.

The second keyword that emerged and is interesting to research in 2023 is nutrition, as shown in Figure 4. Cattle fattening enterprises aim to enhance the growth rate and improve the overall efficiency of beef cattle production. A range of nutritional strategies is evolving in this domain, focusing on optimizing feed efficiency, addressing nutritional imbalances, and adapting to climate change. This synthesis reviews recent literature to provide insights into the nutritional management practices, challenges, and innovations in cattle fattening during this period. The nutritional strategies implemented in cattle fattening operations are pivotal for enhancing feed efficiency and animal performance. Recent studies have highlighted the effectiveness of different feed components, such as whole cottonseed, that offer a unique blend of fiber, energy, and protein. This feed shows promise for improving weight gain and feed efficiency in beef cattle, though care must be taken to balance fat intake to prevent adverse effects on rumen microbial activity and nutrient availability [25, 26]. The optimization of feed formulations is essential, as excess dietary fat can hinder fiber digestion, thus requiring precise ration balancing [26].

Research by Liu et al. [27] emphasizes the role of small peptide supplementation in improving rumen function and nutrient metabolism. By incorporating such supplements, there is potential to enhance feed conversion ratios, which is critical for achieving desired growth rates, especially during the finishing phase when high-energy diets are standard [26, 27]. The feedlot sector's dynamics are evolving with a focus on carcass-based marketing and longer feeding periods, impacting economic returns. Samuelson et al. [28] discuss how phase feeding, wherein rations are adjusted to meet the changing nutritional needs of cattle throughout their growth phases, can enhance profitability. Such strategies are particularly relevant given the rising demand for quality beef and the quest for higher ADGs.

Phase feeding is complemented by effective management of nitrogen (N) utilization. Studies indicate that improved nitrogen use efficiency is crucial for reducing environmental impacts while ensuring that dietary protein meets the needs of growing cattle without excessive excretion into the environment, which can occur with high crude protein diets [29, 30]. Both climate and environmental factors have significantly influenced cattle nutrition strategies. Drought conditions, which have periodically affected production, have necessitated adaptive measures in feed sourcing and dietary composition [31]. For instance, the integration of high-quality forages and alternative feeds, such as grain by-products and novel protein sources, has been recommended to sustain productivity even under harsh conditions [32].

In light of climate challenges, innovations in feed resources, including the use of phytogenic additives and alternative feed ingredients, have gained attention. These supplements can modify microbial populations in the rumen to improve feed efficiency and decrease nitrogen emissions, aligning with sustainability goals [30, 33]. Additionally, strategic supplementation with protein-rich forages like Gliricidia can assist cattle in tropical regions by enhancing nutrient availability during critical growth periods [34, 35]. The nutritional management of cattle fattening enterprises is aimed at improving feed efficiency, ensuring animal health, and adapting to environmental challenges. As feed composition and animal needs continue to evolve, the integration of research-driven nutritional practices will remain key to the success of beef production systems.

The third keyword that emerged and is interesting to research in 2023 is meat quality, as shown in Figure 4. The meat quality of cattle fattening enterprises is predicated on numerous factors, including genetic selection, feeding practices, pre-slaughter management, and the increasing consumer demand for higher quality beef. The role of genetic selection in enhancing meat quality has gained considerable attention in the beef industry. Advances in genomic selection allow for the identification of genetic markers associated with desirable traits such as intramuscular fat (IMF), tenderness, and overall carcass quality. Research has identified key transcription factors that regulate lipogenesis and adipogenesis, critical processes for improving IMF deposition in beef cattle, which is essential for ensuring premium meat quality [36, 37]. Similarly, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed various genetic loci affecting carcass weight and quality traits in beef populations, highlighting the potential for these technologies to improve meat attributes in cattle [38, 39].

The nutritional regimen of fattened cattle significantly affects meat quality. Studies show that the energy content of rations not only influences growth performance but also carcass characteristics and meat quality metrics. For instance, Honghe Yellow cattle exhibited changes in meat quality attributes based on the energy level of their diets, with higher energy diets leading to improved tenderness and marbling scores [40]. In addition, incorporating specific feed ingredients, such as linseed oil, has been suggested to enhance the nutritional composition of beef, impacting fatty acid profiles positively and consequently improving consumer acceptability [41]. Furthermore, recent findings suggest that cold chain management, particularly the chilling rates and methods used post-slaughter, plays a crucial role in preserving meat quality.

The pre-slaughter phase is pivotal in determining meat quality, influencing both animal welfare and economic viability. Factors such as transportation stress, lairage conditions, and environmental settings have demonstrably affected the meat quality outcomes. Studies have shown that effective management during this phase can mitigate stress and enhance meat tenderness and overall quality [42, 43]. For example, different lairage handling practices and transportation durations were correlated with variances in meat quality metrics, indicating the necessity for improved practices in this critical operational segment [44, 45].

Consumer demands are shifting towards higher-quality, sustainably produced beef. Within this context, more consumers are willing to pay a premium for beef that meets specific quality indicators, including marbling and flavor [40]. The increasing focus on health-conscious eating has pushed for beef that is not only high in quality but also nutritionally beneficial, propelling research into the gut microbiome's influence on meat quality outcomes. Emerging studies identify the gut microbiota as a critical factor in regulating meat characteristics, suggesting that interventions targeting gut health could enhance meat quality [44].

The meat quality of cattle fattening enterprises has evolved through the integration of advanced genetic tools, optimized feeding strategies, and better pre-slaughter management practices. These factors collectively respond to consumer expectations for high-quality beef, shaping the future of the cattle industry. As the market continues to demand meat that meets high standards of quality and nutrition, further research and practical implementations will be necessary to meet these challenges.

4.1 Internal Factor Evaluation

The IFE analysis identified six strengths and six weaknesses associated with Balinese cattle fattening enterprises in Mengwi District. These factors were derived from interviews with farmers and local stakeholders, encompassing aspects of cattle management, feeding practices, weight gain performance, reproductive characteristics, health management, and marketing channels. The calculated weighted scores, as shown in Table 1, indicate that the cumulative strength score (4.176) exceeds the cumulative weakness score (3.685), resulting in a positive internal strategic value of 0.491. This suggests that internal advantages currently outweigh constraints in the operational environment of the fattening business.

In Table 1, the factors “Ease of maintenance” and “Convenience in the preparation of feed” each carry a weight of 0.20, meaning that together they account for 0.40, or 40% of the total weighted importance among all identified strengths. This dominant proportion reflects the actual perceptions expressed by farmers during interviews, who consistently emphasized that simple management routines and readily available feed resources are the most influential determinants of successful cattle‑fattening operations. The reasons behind this weighting distribution are elaborated in the discussion, where farmers’ prioritization of practical, time‑efficient husbandry practices is shown to significantly shape the strategic strength profile of the enterprise.

Among the identified strengths, the ease of maintenance and convenience of feed preparation received the highest weighted scores. These findings are consistent with previous studies showing that simplified management practices and feed accessibility significantly enhance cattle production efficiency [53]. Similarly, relatively high selling prices and rapid capital turnover further reinforce the economic attractiveness of Balinese cattle fattening systems, aligning with profitability analyses reported by Mayulu et al. [54]. The short maintenance period characteristic of Balinese cattle also provides a biological advantage, as efficient growth rates contribute to improved production cycles, an aspect widely recognized in studies of feedlot performance and slaughter optimization.

Table 1. Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) matrix for Bali cattle fattening business

Conversely, several weaknesses highlight systemic and structural challenges. The high price of feeder stock and substantial initial capital requirements impose financial barriers, particularly for small-scale farmers. These findings echo earlier observations that capital intensity remains a major constraint in beef cattle enterprises across developing regions [54]. Additionally, the low number of cattle raised per household and the predominance of part‑time cattle raising reflect labor and resource limitations. The advanced age of farmers and declining youth participation pose further threats to long‑term sustainability, a trend also reported in livestock sectors elsewhere in Indonesia [55]. Collectively, these weaknesses indicate potential vulnerabilities in human resources and enterprise scaling, consistent with broader findings on technical efficiency constraints in mixed smallholder systems [53].

4.2 External Factor Evaluation

The EFE matrix reveals six opportunities and three threats influencing the cattle fattening sector, as shown in Table 2. The total opportunity score (4.196) far exceeds the threat score (2.400), producing a positive value of 1.79. This dominant opportunity profile indicates that the external environment is broadly favorable for enterprise growth. Among the most significant opportunities are castration practices, optimal feeding, and the predominance of male cattle in fattening herds. Castration and diet optimization are widely associated with higher weight gain efficiency and improved carcass characteristics [56, 57]. Increased feeding precision, particularly when matched with breed‑specific nutritional requirements, has been shown to significantly enhance feed conversion and growth outcomes [58, 59]. The availability of government‑provided medicines and vaccines further strengthens disease prevention efforts, reducing morbidity risks and supporting consistent production an important factor given the strong link between health management and productivity [6, 60].

Table 2. External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrix Bali cattle fattening business

Infrastructure adequacy and the presence of livestock extension programs also contribute positively to opportunities. Extension services play a crucial role in bridging knowledge gaps in animal management and nutrition, which is essential for improving technical competencies among breeders [55]. Adequate physical infrastructure similarly enhances market access, feed distribution, and overall enterprise efficiency. Despite these positive factors, several threats must be acknowledged. Labor age constraints constitute a major external challenge, particularly in rural areas where livestock farming is heavily reliant on aging farmers. Competition from alternative economic sectors and land‑use change primarily for residential and commercial development further threatens the availability of land resources essential for cattle operations. Land‑use dynamics have previously been identified as key structural constraints affecting cattle production systems in various countries [61, 62]. If not mitigated, these threats may hinder the long‑term resilience of Balinese cattle fattening enterprises.

4.3 SWOT quadrant positioning and strategic implications

The combined IFE (X = 0.491) and EFE (Y = 1.79) scores place the Balinese cattle fattening business in Quadrant I of the SWOT strategic matrix (Figure 5). Quadrant I indicates a “growth and build” strategy, where strong internal capacities coincide with favorable external opportunities. This strategic position implies that enterprises in Mengwi District are well‑situated to pursue aggressive development through market expansion, productivity enhancement, and investment in technical improvements.

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Figure 5. SWOT analysis quadrant

The strength‑opportunity alignment suggests that improving feed quality, adopting more effective fattening technologies, and optimizing herd management could substantially enhance fattening performance. Previous research supports the idea that combining strong internal management with external incentives such as improved health services and feed resources leads to significant productivity gains [6, 59]. Additionally, leveraging high market prices and efficient capital turnover can increase profitability, reinforcing findings from profitability analyses in similar production systems [54].

Nevertheless, the presence of weaknesses and threats indicates the need for integrated mitigation strategies. Addressing capital limitations through cooperative financing models, encouraging youth participation, and promoting land‑use protections could help stabilize the sector. These measures align with broader recommendations for strengthening cattle production in smallholder-dominated regions [53, 55].

4.4 Integrated SWOT strategy formulation

The SWOT analysis combined internal and external factors to generate four strategic alternatives for developing the Balinese cattle fattening business in Mengwi District (Table 3). Each strategic quadrant, S–O, W–O, S–T, and W–T, provides a framework for enhancing productivity, mitigating constraints, and positioning the enterprise for sustainable development. The Strengths–Opportunities (S–O) strategy focuses on maximizing existing strengths to exploit favorable external conditions. Key strategies include optimizing land potential for productive feeding systems, enhancing market information, and expanding castration services for male cattle. These findings align with the argument that effective utilization of natural resources and managerial strengths significantly contributes to enterprise growth [63]. Furthermore, castration of bulls is widely recognized to improve fattening performance and carcass quality, thereby increasing economic returns for farmers [64].

Table 3. Analysis of the SWOT matrix of the Balinese cattle fattening business in Mengwi District, Badung

Land use efficiency, especially within crop‑livestock integrated systems, remains central in sustainable fattening operations. Evidence from mixed farming systems shows that efficient land allocation for grazing and forage production supports cattle growth while maintaining ecological balance [65]. The S–O strategy also highlights the importance of establishing reliable marketing networks to meet market demand and stabilize income. This supports earlier findings that market access, selling price transparency, and buyer connectivity are essential components of a profitable fattening enterprise [64, 66]. Overall, the S–O strategies underscore the importance of capitalizing on farmers’ strengths, such as ease of cattle maintenance, feeding convenience, and favorable selling prices, to utilize structural opportunities in infrastructure, extension services, and animal health support.

The Weakness–Opportunities (W–O) strategies are aimed at minimizing internal limitations through the utilization of external support. These include providing training on cattle fattening management, increasing calf availability through improved reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination (AI), and conducting targeted counselling on disease prevention, such as foot‑and‑mouth disease (FMD). The profile of respondents dominated by elementary‑school‑educated farmers suggests limited technical capacity, consistent with observations in other smallholder cattle systems [63, 65]. Consequently, frequent extension programs and digital literacy training are essential to enhance managerial and technical skills, particularly as digital transformation becomes increasingly relevant for improving technical and allocative efficiency [67]. Government‑supported capacity‑building programs serve as an additional opportunity to address weaknesses such as limited herd size, high capital demands, and part‑time cattle raising. Strengthening farmer competencies in feed formulation, disease management, and business planning has been shown to significantly enhance productivity and income stability [68].

The Strengths–Threat (S–T) strategies emphasize deploying internal strengths to overcome external risks, such as aging labor, competition from other sectors, and land‑use changes. Primary S–T strategies include optimizing land use for fattening activities and collaborating with local government institutions to enhance cattle productivity. Livestock productivity, particularly growth rate and body weight gain, is shaped predominantly by environmental factors (70%), with feed quality contributing approximately 60–70% of this influence [66, 69]. This indicates that even with favorable genetic potential, productivity will not be maximized unless feed quality and availability are ensured. Hence, the use of farmers’ strengths such as efficient feeding practices and short cattle maintenance periods provides an effective mechanism to counteract external challenges such as limited land availability or labor shortages. The S–T strategy also includes transforming marketing systems from traditional to modern retail chains, which can enhance market stability and competitiveness. Modern supply chains improve price transparency, traceability, and quality assurance factors that are increasingly important as market standards evolve [65].

The Weakness–Threats (W–T) strategy represents a defensive approach aimed at preventing the simultaneous impact of internal weaknesses and external threats. Recommended actions include strengthening livestock institutions such as farmer groups, encouraging policy reforms that support beef cattle development, and maximizing the function of regional animal health facilities. Strong institutional support has been shown to facilitate knowledge transfer, collective action, and information sharing among farmers [70]. Farmer groups also serve as a platform for disseminating innovations, improving negotiation power, and strengthening resilience against environmental and economic shocks. Ensuring the optimal use of animal health posts and maintaining coordination with the 24 regional livestock and animal health agencies are essential for improving disease surveillance, prevention, and response capacities. This is particularly critical in the context of increasing climate‑related health stresses [71], as well as rising biosecurity risks associated with intensified production systems.

Global research trends such as the growing emphasis on climate change, sustainable livestock systems, and nutrition optimization closely intersect with local challenges faced by Balinese cattle fattening enterprises. Worldwide, studies highlight how rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and emerging disease pressures affect cattle health and productivity—issues that are increasingly evident in Bali’s mixed crop–livestock landscapes, where limited land access and climate‑related stressors reduce feed availability and increase disease risk. Likewise, the global focus on “nutrition optimization,” which involves precision feeding, improved ration balancing, and the use of locally available feed resources, provides a scientific foundation for local “optimal feeding” strategies. These global insights guide farmers in Mengwi District to formulate more efficient feed combinations, improve feed conversion, and enhance weight‑gain performance despite resource constraints. By aligning global research priorities with local conditions, Bali’s cattle fattening systems can better adapt to environmental pressures while improving productivity and long‑term sustainability.