The exploration of genetic characteristics of Madura cattle

Abstract

The research was conducted to observe the exterior characteristics and performance of Madura cattle based on qualitative and quantitative traits. This research was conducted in Pamekasan, Sumenep, and Sapudi Island, Madura, East Java province. Two groups of Sonok calf and Sonok cow in total number of 157 cattle samples were used for observation of exterior characteristics. The body measurements and  performance  data  were  obtained from  203  Madura cattle. The result showed that Sonok  calf  and  Sonok  cow  have  different  exterior  characteristics.  The  Sonok  cows  showed  several changes on exterior characteristics from those of Sonok calves, such as appearing of the chest fat and back line, size of hump, the lappet size, and the colors surrounding eyes, nose and mouth. The body measurements of 2-3 y old of Sonok cattle were higher than that of Madura cattle in Sumenep and in Sapudi Island. In example, girths of chest of those cattle are 163.19 ± 9.87 cm, 138.44 ± 18.36 cm and 148.88  ±  10.18  cm,  respectively.  More  interestingly,  the  Sonok  cattle  in  the  same  area  showed  the improvement  of  body  measurements  compare  with  the  pervious  results  in  1992  (girth  of  chest 158.19±10.88 cm). Performance of Madura cattle such as weaning age, first age of mating, first age of calving were 5.75 ± 0.78 mo, 19.571 ± 0.53 mo, and 30.00 ± 0.00 mo, respectively. The estimation of body  weight  in  those  phase  were  151.58  ±  36.98  kg,  240.00  ±  45.96  kg,  and  251.08  ±  68.33  kg, respectively. Based on this research, Sonok calf and Sonok cow had spesific characteristics. Generaly body  measurements  and  performance  of  Sonok  cattle was  better  than  Madura  cattle  in  general. Therefore,  we  suggest  that  the  population  of  Sonok  cattle  could be  improved  in  order  to  get  high quality local cattle in Madura island.