Madura cattle stratification as a signature of traditional selection and diverse production systems

Abstract

Farmers practiced-selection and diverse production systems applied on Madura cattle and procured a stratification system. We aimed to study the Madura cattle population structure, especially in Sonok area. Focused group discussions and interviews involving farmers, key-persons and stake holders were conducted. Data on mature body measurements and weight were collected. The strata bottom up were commercial cattle, pajangan (multiplier) and elite. The breeding pyramid’s shape, however, was distorted; as pajangan was of the largest number. Elite dams were the selected ones, eligible to participate in local contests on body conformation and aesthetic. Sires were the descendant of the elite dams. No specific selections were conducted on sire lines. Elite dams and pajangan were mated with sires; female offspring becomes elite replacements if they manage to enter the contest; else they stay as pajangan. Pajangan’s female offspring failed to enter the contest were kept as dams. Farmers did not keep written records; however, mating was always done with inbreeding in consideration. This system managed to improve the cattle’s performance; mature wither height for elite dams were 115.54±1.45 and 131.55±9.30 cm while body weights were 236.26±14.12 and 393.88±43.94 kg on measurement year 2009 and 2017 respectively.