Dissertation of Moh. Zali, S.Pt.,M.Agr. : Sonok Cow Culture as Support for Madura Cattle Farming in Pamekasan Regency

Sonok cattle are cattle used for beauty and beauty contests. Where the cow has a proportional body posture, jewelry and oil are applied to make the skin shiny. The winner of the contest is a cow with a high price bid to become the pride of the breeder.

Sonok cow culture is a creation of the Madurese community, especially the leaders and elders in Pamekasan Regency. In addition, Sonok cattle are also used by the community for religious culture, marriage, and village safety. So that it can be used for tourism destinations in Pamekasan Regency. At the same time support the improvement of the economy of farmers and the development of the livestock sub-sector.

The opportunity was read by the teaching staff of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Madura, Moh. Zali, S.Pt., M.Agr, by conducting a research entitled “Sonok Cow Cultural Event as Leverage for Madura Cattle Farming in Pamekasan Regency”. 

According to him, the contribution of Sonok cattle in socio-cultural development should be encouraged as an effort to create regional comparative advantages and increase the value of local wisdom.

Because the development of Sonok cattle in Pamekasan Regency has problems related to the imbalance in the distribution of maintenance areas, the availability of population numbers, and socio-cultural utilization. 

“Therefore, it is necessary to develop a culture-based Madura cattle business that is supported by internal and external factors.” explained Zali

“Internal factors include the availability of land, seeds, feed as well as management and business capital. While the external consists of facilities and infrastructure for livestock production.” he said

The research data were obtained from 80 farmers and 27 experts as respondents. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that the success rate of Sonok cattle cultural events as a lever for livestock business in Pamekasan Regency is to support aggressive growth policies, by taking advantage of opportunities. The strategy is implemented through efforts to increase productivity, increase product added value and develop commodity markets, as well as increase the promotion of the use of Sonok cattle in socio-cultural and tourism activities.

 Through that research, he was declared graduated and can hold a Doctorate (Dr.) from the Doctoral Program in Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB). Of course, after taking the hybrid open dissertation exam, Tuesday (16/8/2022). (dta)