Sheep Production Management System to Harness Genetic Resources: A case in Bangun Karso Farm, Bogor, Indonesia

Abstract

Sheep farming in Indonesia has a major challenge of low productivity. The demand of domestic market for sheep is increasing over time. This study aimed to assess the production management systems to improve the livelihood of sheep farming. The method was descriptive with case study in Bangun Karso Farm, Bogor, Indonesia. Data related to farm management were collected in the farm. The description on sheep production was conducted on sustainable farming practices, breeding program and feeding system. The farm keeps fat-tailed sheep (FTS), thin-tailed sheep (TTS), and crossbreed of FTS and TTS with temperate breed. The purposes of sheep farming were fattening and breeding. It has total 374 sheep from various breeds and ages. The sheep that use for breeding were 167 sheep. The result showed that with the current sheep production management system, it is possible to maintain genetic diversity. The study suggests that planned and controlled cross-breeding are important to prevent the dilution of sheep genetic resources.