Genetic Improvement of Bali Cattle through Artificial Insemination with Frozen Banteng (Bos javanicus) Semen: Part I – Performance of Resulting Calves (Work in Progress)
Abstract
The performance of Bali cattle has been declining. To preserve their genetic quality and productivity, appropriate measures must be taken, such as revitalizing Bali cattle by breeding them with Banteng semen. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of offspring resulting from artificial insemination using frozen Banteng semen in Bali cattle. Ten Bali cows underwent synchronization twice using the PGF2α protocol. The cows were then monitored for signs of estrus 24 hours after the second injection, and breeding occurred 8-12 hours after confirming heat. Artificial insemination was performed with frozen Banteng semen from Taman Safari, Bogor, Indonesia. Insemination was conducted three times during estrus until ovulation was achieved. Pregnancy was diagnosed 20 days post-insemination. The dam'sweight was recorded at the time of artificial insemination, and the calf'sweight was tracked at birth and then weekly for 10 weeks using a specialized livestock scale. The birth weights recorded were 18.33±2.42 kg for female calves and 20.25±2.71 kg for male calves, with no significant difference in birth weights between the sexes (P>0.05). This study found that the average daily weight gain was 0.29 kg for female calves and 0.37 kg for male calves, indicating no significant growth difference between the sexes and higher than average for Bali calves born with Bali bull semen. The study concluded that Bali calves born through artificial insemination with frozen Banteng semen exhibited greater birth weight and body weight growth than average Bali calves.
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Introduction
The Banteng (Bos javanicus) holds a protected status in Indonesia, as per Ministerial Regulation P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 (Permen 2018), and is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Additionally, the Director General of KSDAE Decision No. 180/IV-KKH/2015 designates the Banteng as a priority species in the country. The Javanese Banteng is the ancestor of Bali cattle, which are bred in several regions of Indonesia. The domestication of the Javanese Banteng began around 3500 BCand was distributed to several regions in Indonesia [1].
Bali cattle, an indigenous breed of beef cattle in Indonesia, are found throughout the nation. These cattle were domesticated from the Banteng. Adapted to tropical climates, Bali cattle thrive and yield high-quality carcasses [2;3]. They have a relatively high fertility rate [4] low calf mortality rate [5] and can sustain themselves on low-quality feed [6]. The Central Statistics Agency [7] reported in its Agricultural Census that Bali cattle were the most raised beef cattle by Agricultural Households (RTUP) in 2023. Bali cattle accounted for 38.6% of the total beef cattle raised in this area. These cattle are predominantly raised in South Sulawesi, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and Bali. South Sulawesi hosts the largest population, comprising 18% of the total population. The performance of Bali cattle has declined. Prasodjo et al. [8] reported that the average birth weight of male calves was 18.9 ± 1.4 kg, and that of female calves was 17.9 ± 1.6 kg. In 2020, Gemuh [9] reported that the birth weights of female and male Bali cattle calves were 14.50 and 16.40 kg, respectively. Said et al. [10], also reported that the average birth weight of Bali cattle calves ranged from 15.69 ± 1.70 kg (Lombok) to 13.49 ± 1.89 kg (Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara). All three data points indicated a decline in the birth weight performance of Bali cattle.
Artificial insemination is the most widely used reproductive technology in livestock, including cattle. Banteng calves produced by artificial insemination at Taman Safari Bogor can reach 25-27 kg. To maintain the genetic quality and productivity of Bali cattle, appropriate efforts must be made, including the revitalization of Bali cattle by breeding them with Banteng semen. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of offspring resulting from artificial insemination with frozen Banteng semen in Bali cattle.
Conclusion
The study concluded that Bali calves born through artificial insemination with frozen Banteng semen exhibited greater birth weight and body weight growth compared to the average Bali calves.
