Dissemination of Liquid Cement Technology for the Development of Sumba Ongole Cattle in the East Sumba Region

Professor of the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB), Prof. Trinil Susilawati revealed that the Sumba Ongole fire is suitable for fattening livestock. This is because livestock that develop in the East Sumba area have the advantage of high average daily gain (ADG) growth. However, the population and genetics of livestock have declined so dramatically that their body weight has also decreased. So it is necessary to reproduce through artificial insemination (AI).

This solution was conveyed to the head of the East Sumba Animal Husbandry Service, Pandawai District staff, East Sumba, and lecturers from the Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Wira Wacana Christian University, East Sumba, Monday (31/7/2023). This activity was the beginning of research collaboration by researchers from Faculty of Animal Husbandry UB, namely Prof. Trinil Susilawati and Aulia Puspita Anugra Yekti, M.Sc. As well as involving students from the Doctoral Program (S3) in the Animal Husbandry Study Program as well as staff at Wira Wacana Christian University Sumba, Alexander Kaka.

Basically the success of AI is greatly influenced by the quality of the frozen semen or liquid semen used. So far, AI has been carried out using frozen semen stored in liquid nitrogen to maintain good quality and in accordance with SNI. So that it can produce a high percentage of pregnancy.

Liquid cement is cement that is cooled at 5° Celsius and can last 5-8 days in the refrigerator. So liquid nitrogen is not needed to maintain its quality, on the other hand it is very easy to apply in areas where liquid nitrogen is difficult. For example, in areas outside Java where it is difficult to find liquid nitrogen, it is necessary to introduce liquid cement technology. Material on the application of liquid cement for the development of Sumba Ongole cattle was delivered by Aulia Puspita Anugra Yekti, M.Sc.

While the research that will be conducted in East Sumba will focus on the development of a liquid semen diluent from lontar fruit, which is widely available there. As well as opening opportunities to develop sexing technology in Sumba horses which are expected to increase the birth of mares.(Aul/dta)