Reproductive management and performances of Bali cow kept by smallholder farmers level with different production systems in South Konawe Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

This research aims to determine Bali cows' reproductive management and performances, kept by smallholder farmers with intensive and semi-intensive production systems in South Konawe Regency. A total of 55 farmers and 110 Bali cows was interviewed and observed. The data was captured consists of farmers' characteristics, reproductive management, and reproductive performances. An independent sample t-test analyzed the data. The farmers with intensive and semi-intensive production systems could detect the estrus well (69.57 and 59.09%) and mated by artificial insemination (AI) (70.83 and 86.11%). There was a significant difference (P <0.05) related to the first estrus age (1.98 0.82 vs. 1.92 0.18 years), the first mating age (2.84 0.23 vs. 2.77 0.34 years), service per conception with natural mating and AI (1.00 0.00 vs. 1.20 0.42 and 1.70 0.76 vs. 1.44 0.57 times). There were no significant differences in the first calving age, gestation length, postpartum estrus, postpartum mating, weaning age, calving interval, and cow reproduction index. The pre-weaning mortality and calf crops were 6.25 and 9.68%; 76.79 and 71,70%. To conclude our findings, the farmers in South Konawe Regency carry out reproductive management well. Bali cows' reproductive performance with an intensive system is better than the semi-intensive system based on the calf crop.