1. **Stating the problem:** Find the difference in the population of beef cattle (sapi potong) between Bantul and Sleman in 2022. 2. **Given data:** - Bantul beef cattle population = 68,401 - Sleman beef cattle population = 29,486 3. **Formula used:** To find the difference between two populations, use subtraction: $$\text{Difference} = \text{Population in Bantul} - \text{Population in Sleman}$$ 4. **Calculation:** $$\text{Difference} = 68,401 - 29,486$$ 5. **Intermediate step showing cancellation:** $$\text{Difference} = \cancel{68,401} - \cancel{29,486}$$ 6. **Perform subtraction:** $$\text{Difference} = 38,915$$ 7. **Conclusion:** The difference in the population of beef cattle between Bantul and Sleman is 38,915. **Final answer:** D. 38,915 ekor