Inauguration of Prof. Dyah Maharani: Discussing Breeding Models and Programs for Local Livestock in Indonesia

Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) proudly announces the inauguration of its 40th professor, Prof. Ir. Dyah Maharani, S.Pt., MP., Ph.D., IPM, in the field of Genetics and Animal Breeding, held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Universitas Gadjah Mada Senate Hall.

During the inauguration, Prof. Dyah Maharani delivered a speech titled “Breeding Models and Programs for Local Livestock in Indonesia.” The speech highlighted the importance of the quality and availability of breeding stock in determining productivity in the livestock sector. Dyah explained that achieving superior breeding stock quality requires an integrated and comprehensive breeding model and program.

Regarding the current state of breeding programs in Indonesia, Prof. Dyah Maharani discussed several influencing factors, such as facilities, policies, and human resources (HR). The speech revealed that breeding models like the Corporate-Based Livestock Breeding Center (KPST), the Community-Breeding Program (CBP), and the Cattle and Oil Palm Integration System (SISKA) could provide solutions to overcome these challenges.

Dyah also recommended that the CBP breeding model is more suitable for local livestock in the breeding source areas of Eastern Indonesia or remote areas with small-scale farming. Meanwhile, the KPST model is more appropriate for Java and other breeding source areas with a market or consumer-based agribusiness ecosystem. The SISKA model is suitable for breeding source areas close to palm oil companies.

In terms of breeding programs, Dyah explained that closed nucleus breeding is more suitable for producing purebred superior stock, while open nucleus breeding is more appropriate for crossbred superior stock. She also suggested that crossbreeding programs need to be regulated by the government to ensure clear and directed breeding objectives. Furthermore, the speech discussed recommended selection methods, including conventional quantitative and molecular approaches, depending on the facilities, funding, and human resources available in each breeding model.

Dyah emphasized the importance of developing breeding models and programs that align with the characteristics of the livestock, breeding objectives, available resources, and specific market and industry needs. This should be undertaken by the central government and implemented in all designated breeding source areas with the support of funding, policies, and active participation from various parties, including farmers, breeding scientists, and other stakeholders. (Secretariat/Prisil)