The reproductive performance of beef cattle plays an important role in the livestock industry. Oestrus is a reproductive criterion that must be met before livestock can reproduce. Oestrus is influenced by the age and weight of the cattle, in addition, oestrus is also influenced by the type of cattle, nutrition, and reproductive health. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks hoofed animals such as cattle, buffalo, and goats. Cattle infected with FMD will experience reproductive disorders such as anoestrus, ovarian hypofunction, and silent heat. FMD has a significant impact on the economy of livestock farmers, affecting the price and number of livestock, in East Java, the FMD outbreak has infected thousands of livestock in 23 districts/cities.
Achieving the target of “one cow, one calf, one year” faces several challenges in the effort to achieve beef self-sufficiency in Indonesia. Import dependence is still high, reaching 35% of national needs. Strategies that can be carried out to increase production include developing production centres, exploring feed sources, saving productive female cattle, and implementing artificial insemination technology. Synchronization-Sexing-Ultrasound (SSU) technology is the latest innovation to increase cow pregnancy. This technology combines oestrus synchronization using the Ovsynch method, sexing technology to select the sex of the calf according to needs, and ultrasound to detect pregnancy quickly and accurately. Ovsynch is effective for oestrus synchronization in various livestock, but the results vary depending on the mating season, species, and protocol. Optimal results are seen in sheep and goats, while in PO cattle it produces a high oestrus response but moderate pregnancy rates.
The collaboration between the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine UGM and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Yamaguchi University through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, has successfully implemented the Ovsynch method and fix timed artificial insemination (FTAI) in PO cattle and crossbred cattle. This technology is effective for cattle with reproductive disorders, including ovarian hypofunction and delayed ovulation. Sexing technology allows for the selection of calf sex, while ultrasound accurately detects pregnancy. This collaboration supports the development of research, higher education, and further studies, as well as fulfilling the Main Work Indicators (IKU) 3, IKU 5, IKU 6, IKU 7 and IKU 8 from the Ministry of Education and Culture, involving lecturers and students of FKH UGM in research and community service. This activity fulfil the 2nd (Zero Hunger) and 17th (Partnerships for the Goals) SDGs. (GES/YAMAS)
