The economic value of beef cattle through AI and natural mating in farmers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the economic value of beef cattle through Artificial Insemination (AI) with the elite bulls and natural mating in farmers. The study was conducted in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province in 2017, in 2 Sub-districts (Bajeng and Pallangga) and 9 Villages (Pabantengan, Pallangga, Maceni Baji, Ramba, Todotoa, Bajeng City, Marekaya and Paraikatte). The study used a field survey method, by recording data on the development of beef cattle. Mating activity was carried out with AI and natural mating using bulls and semen from Brahman, Ongole, Angus and Bali. All of the female were Bali dams and Bali heifers which ready to mate as many as 119 animals, where 90 dams would be bred through AI, and others 29 dams and heifers through natural mating in each farmer. Primary and secondary data were analysed descriptively, qualitatively, quantitatively, and economically. The results showed that the net profit of farmers who joined AI amounting to IDR. 266,712,000/year, net profits of farmers amounting to IDR.3,292,740/farmer, R/C 1.80. Net profits for farmers participating in natural mating were IDR. 32,027,000/year, the farmer's net profit of IDR. 1,104,379/farmer, R/C 1.27. The income of farmers from AI calf was higher than the income derived from calves from natural mating. The price of female and male calves were influenced by sire breeds, body weight and calf performance. The beef Bali cattle business, which is breeding through AI and natural mating is economically feasible.