Dissertation of Safriyanto Dako, S.Pt., M.Sc. : Improving the Genetic Quality of Local Gorontalo Cattle to Prepare Local Food Security

Student of the Doctoral Program in Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB), Safriyanto Dako, S.Pt., M.Sc, took an open dissertation exam, Monday (9/1/2023). The man who is a lecturer at Gorontalo State University raised a research entitled “Analysis of Phenotypic and Genetic Diversity of Local Gorontalo Cattle”. The research was written together with promoters consisting of Prof. Suyadi, Prof. V.M. Ani Nurgiartiningsih, and Prof. Gatot Ciptadi.

Safriyanto said there was an increase in demand for livestock products to fulfill food needs every year. This condition shows an increase in public awareness of the importance of consuming animal products for nutritional needs. But on the other hand it can threaten the genetic availability of livestock. So in order to support food availability and cultural diversity, it is necessary to preserve local livestock as a provider of genetic resources. Because local livestock have the ability to adapt easily to their environment, one of which is Gorontalo cattle (a cross between Bali cattle and PO cattle).

“To get answers to the problem of local genetic resources, I conducted a study that examined the phenotypic diversity of local Gorontalo cattle based on qualitative, quantitative and microsatellite DNA characteristics.” Safri said

 Phenotype sampling (qualitative and quantitative) and blood samples were carried out in three regions, namely Gorontalo Regency, Bonebolango Regency, and North Gorontalo Regency with as much as 490 phenotype data. Consisting of 366 female local cattle and 130 male cattle.

Based on the results of research on phenotypic and genetic diversity of local Gorontalo cattle, it was concluded that local Gorontalo cattle have various body colors and there is no dominant color between males and females. Temporary marker phenotype described the phenotypic diversity of local Gorontalo cattle forming two clusters. And there are differences in the nature of body size between males and females, especially in body length, body height, hip height, wattle length, hip width and body weight.

Then the microsatellite markers provide information on the existence of polymorphism which describes the genetic diversity in local Gorontalo cattle and forms three clusters. Among them, Bali cattle are different from all other cattle populations, the PO population as the second cluster, and the subpopulation clusters of North Gorontalo, Bonebolango and Gorontalo. The closest kinship of local Gorontalo cattle is PO cattle and Bali cattle. (dta)