CounselingRoleBody Condition Score (BCS) to Increase Production and Reproduction of Madura Cattle in Pamekasan Regency

Madura cattle is a type of local Indonesian cattle that has the potential to be developed to reduce the import value of meat and its processed products. Because these cows easily adapt to hot weather and are resistant to disease. In terms of quality, the meat is bright red in color, has a soft, fine fibrous texture, and is low in fat.

Lecturer of the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB) an expert in livestock production, Dr. Irida Novianti believes that the development strategy can be carried out through handling cows as the basic population determining production and developing cultivation technology by assessing the body condition of the cattle to check body fat reserves.

 “This assessment is called the Body Condition Score (BCS) which is very influential on the production and reproduction of beef cattle.” said Irida

However, in general, farmers’ knowledge of BCS is very low, but there is no effort to improve this condition. Even though the BCS assessment is quite effective in measuring metabolic energy stored as fat carried by the skin and muscles in livestock. By looking at BCS, it can be known whether the cultivation of broodstock is good or bad by breeders. BCS at delivery must be optimal to maximize reproduction. After giving birth, you must get a high nutritional intake for lactation and prepare for the next marriage. BCS below the optimum standard will affect reproductive function.

“One of the livestock groups that has not taken advantage of the role of BCS is the people’s farm in Pamekasan Regency in Tampojung Village, Waru District. There they still do the traditional way.” said Irida

As a result, it often causes various problems, such as disease attacks, feed availability, limited land for maintenance, and a lack of livestock production facilities (sapronak) which ultimately lead to low livestock productivity and livestock prices.

In addition, most breeders do not have land to grow forage, and only rely on field grass and agricultural waste as feed. The impact is low BCS of cows and decreased reproductive power.

Based on this problem, Irida and her team took the initiative to provide counseling and training to empower breeders by applying cultivation technology. The team consists of Prof. Kuswati, Wike Andre Septian, M.Sc., Rizki Prafitri, Ph.D. as well as involving students namely Amadeus Gilang Dharma Andhika and Muhammad Fajar Dewangkara. The activities carried out in May-August 2023 include socialization of activities, preliminary surveys, counseling, mentoring and evaluation.

“The solution offered was chosen in the form of a short training activity. Limited oral delivery is not emphasized, but more emphasis is placed on the practice of direct activities. she concluded (dta)