Breeding Bos javanicus d’Alton cattle in Eastern Indonesia: Cattle reproduction

Abstract

Reproduction of Bos javanicus d’Alton (Bali) cattle was monitored on Lombok. Traditional management at Tandek included continuous mating and late weaning. Key elements of new management at Kelebuh included 6-month natural mating using a selected bull and weaning at 5- 6 months of age. The Kelebuh bull mated with up to 5 females daily, achieving 52-69 pregnancies each year. Kelebuh weaning rates increased from ~65% to >90% with few calf losses. Kelebuh villagers found weaning easy and effective. At Tandek, weaning rate averaged 76% and calf mortality
13%. This study demonstrated that well-managed Bali cattle have high reproductive capacity.