Madura cattle stratification as a signature of traditional selection and diverse production systems

Abstract

Farmers practiced-selection and diverse production systems applied on Madura cattle and procured a stratification system. We aimed to study the Madura cattle population structure, especially in Sonok area. Focused group discussions and interviews involving farmers, key-persons and stake holders were conducted. Data on mature body measurements and weight were collected. The strata bottom up were commercial cattle, pajangan (multiplier) and elite. The breeding pyramid’s shape, however, was distorted; as pajangan was of the largest number. Elite dams were the selected ones, eligible to participate in local contests on body conformation and aesthetic. Sires were the descendant of the elite dams. No specific selections were conducted on sire lines. Elite dams and pajangan were mated with sires; female offspring becomes elite replacements if they manage to enter the contest; else they stay as pajangan. Pajangan’s female offspring failed to enter the contest were kept as dams. Farmers did not keep written records; however, mating was always done with inbreeding in consideration. This system managed to improve the cattle’s performance; mature wither height for elite dams were 115.54±1.45 and 131.55±9.30 cm while body weights were 236.26±14.12 and 393.88±43.94 kg on measurement year 2009 and 2017 respectively.

The Potency of Leptin Gene as a Selection Marker of Economic Traits for Madura Cattle: Preliminary Study

“…Madura cattle had been selected for light and small body size to support for run faster in the event. In the long term, it brought adverse effects on the genetic quality of Madura cattle [5]. Based on that condition, in the northern part of the island, farmers started another cultural event called Sonok (cow body conformation contest) in the '60s to stimulate farmers to improve their cattle performance.…”

Candidacy of genes associated with economic traits for Madura cattle in Sonok area

“…Madura cattle are a local Indonesian breed that originated from the Madura Island, they are a small meattype cattle, but are also used in races (Karapan Sapi) and beauty contests (Sonok) based on local culture. Unlike Karapan, Sonok has not developed throughout Madura island, except for a few sub-districts [1]. Madura cattle in the Sonok area can be classified into Sonok, Taccek, and Conventional.…”