THE INVASION OF CROSSBRED CATTLE:STAKEHOLDERS’ PERSPECTIVES IN CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA

Abstract

This study aims to investigate stakeholders’ perspectives about impacts of cattle
crossbreeding in the lowlands, wet uplands and dry uplands in Yogyakana, Central
Java, Indonesia. The information was gathered with secondary data analysis, 11 farmer group discussions and individual interviews with 122 fanners, 14 inseminators, 2 veterinarians, 10 cattle traders, and 35 food sellers (bakso and rendang). Crossbreeding was triggered by government policy. Farmers keeping crossbreds had higher education level, a more prestigious job in the non-agricultural sector and were wealthier than farmers keeping local cattle. Cattle had multiple functions. The major reason for keeping cattle was saving or insurance against urgent cash needs, then manure and draught power. Almost all crossbred cattle farmers did not consider draught power as a reason for keeping cattle. Local cattle in the dry uplands were still used for draught power. In the wet uplands, the main reason to choose crossbreds was their higher daily gain, whereas in the lowlands and dry uplands, it was their higher sale price. According to cattle traders, crossbreds got twice higher sale price than local cattle. Partners have become fanatic in acquiring crossbreds. The preferred breed was the Simmental X Peranakan Ongole (PO) because of the shiny red coat, yellow lips and unselective feeding habits. Also, inseminators said that the highest demand was for Simmental semen. The PO cattle were the last choice; with as main motive for keeping PO limited capital availability. Farmers’ opinion about the performance was that crossbreds showed better daily gain, but no better fertility and disease resistance. Almost all crossbreds suffered cascado disease, although farmers saw this not as a problem. Experienced bakso (meat balls) sellers preferred meat from local cattle because this resulted in higher numbers and more compact bakso. To apply crossbreeding further, stakeholders should consider the benefits and consequences.