By: drh. Dita Retnowulan MMThe demand for animal protein in Indonesian society has been increasing. This is evident from the growing number of consumers who incorporate animal-derived products into their daily diets, including meat, milk, and eggs. Animal protein is obtained from various livestock, including cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry. The meat produced from cattle is a significant source of food, which highlights the importance of productive and high-quality beef cattle. The rising demand for meat needs to be accompanied by an increase in the population of beef cattle. This population growth is essential for achieving self-sufficiency in meat production. Indonesia possesses various local beef cattle breeds that have great potential if well-developed. Local beef cattle have been cultivated and reared in Indonesia for a long time and contribute to the nation's beef production (Hardjosubroto, 1994 in Aryogi and Endang). Some local cattle breeds found in Indonesia include Javanese Cattle, Balinese Cattle, Madura Cattle, and crossbred cattle such as Jabres, Mandras, Rambon, Peranakan Ongole (PO), Sonok, and Galekan cattle. The advantages of local beef cattle include their high adaptability to the local environment (Indonesia's tropical dry conditions), ability to utilize low-quality feed, and high reproductive rates (Suryana, 2009). Didi and Aryogi (2007) add that local beef cattle are relatively resistant to tropical diseases and parasites.
Galekan Cattle is one of the local beef cattle breeds that are extensively reared in the Trenggalek Regency of East Java. Galekan Cattle thrive in this region despite its dry landscape. Galekan Cattle are believed to be a result of crossbreeding between Javanese Cattle and Madura or Balinese Cattle. This crossbreeding has led to two groups of Galekan Cattle: one with a light brown body color, light brown rump and flank pouches with white markings, white lower legs, small and elongated horns initially pointing sideways then upward and forward; the other group has a dark brown to reddish-brown body color with a black line along the back, dark brown rump with white markings, brown and white lower legs with indistinct borders, and black hooves with shorter and sideways-then-forward growing horns. The general body measurements for Galekan Cattle are a body length of 77 to 128 cm, body weight of 66 to 322 kg, hump height of 98 to 130 cm, and chest circumference of 113 to 155 cm (Aryogi and Endang). The image below depicts Galekan Cattle in the field.
Galekan Cattle are highly favored by farmers due to their survivability and reproductive capability in extensive grazing conditions, which reduces maintenance costs and increases profits. The current population of Galekan Cattle is estimated to be only 500, underscoring the need for breeding efforts in Indonesia. One solution to improve the productivity of local beef cattle, including Galekan Cattle, involves innovative technology development, feeding management, housing improvement, and husbandry practices. Innovative technology could focus on genetic and reproductive improvements. Feeding management entails providing relatively inexpensive yet high-quality feed suitable for the age of beef cattle. Housing management includes pen type, mating systems, waste and urine management, and feeding systems (Mariyono, 2009). Enhancing genetic quality can be achieved by maintaining female calves within their development area to further elevate them through grading up (Suryana, 2009). Besides the aforementioned efforts, another critical aspect is the interest and motivation of the local beef cattle farmers themselves. Farmers must be motivated to improve their livestock management practices, focusing on housing, feeding, shelter management, and animal care. While extensive farming methods provide benefits, intensive farming methods yield greater results, as well as helping prevent the extinction of local beef cattle breeds like Galekan. The government can also contribute by promoting local beef cattle breeds in various regions, enhancing their image among farmers and communities.
Balai Besar Inseminasi Buatan (BBIB) Singosari is actively engaged in conserving local cattle breeds, including Galekan Cattle. BBIB Singosari collaborates with the Department of Animal Husbandry in Trenggalek to conserve Galekan Cattle. BBIB Singosari's role includes preserving and producing frozen semen from Galekan Cattle. The frozen semen is then used for artificial insemination of Galekan Cattle in the Trenggalek region.
References
Aryogi and Endang R. Potentials, Utilization, and Constraints of Developing Local Beef Cattle as Indonesian Germplasm Wealth. Local Research on Beef Cattle. Grati. Pages 151-167.
Didi B. W. and Aryogi. 2007. Technical Guidelines for Local Beef Cattle Breeding Systems. Center for Livestock Research and Development. Grati. Pages 1-42.
Mariyono. 2009. Research Results on Beef Cattle to Support Livestock Agribusiness. National Seminar on Livestock and Veterinary Technology. Grati. Pages 28-42.
Suryana. 2009. Developing Beef Cattle Farming Businesses with Agribusiness Orientation and Partnership. Agricultural Technology Assessment Institute. South Kalimantan. Litbang Agricultural Journal 28 (1).