Reproductive Performances of Bali Cows Kept by Smallholder Farmers in Bima and Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara

Bima and Dompu regencies on Sumbawa Island become the development centers and the highest population of Bali cattle with extensive production systems in West Nusa Tenggara Province. The high population of Bali Cattle in Bima and Dompu Regencies, is a great potential to be developed as a center for Bali Cattle development. This study was conducted to investigate the reproductive performances of Bali cows kept by smallholder farmers in the Bima and Dompu Regency. The study was conducted in August 2021 by interviews with 50 farmers in Bima and Dompu Regency respectively. The reproductive management data consisted of the farmers' ability to detect the oestrous sign, a mating method applied by the farmers, the age of first mating, age of weaning, and post-partum matting. The reproductive performances data consisted of the age of first oestrous and calving, service per conception (S/C), pregnancy length, and calving intervals. The data has been presented with descriptive analysis. The farmers in Bima and Dompu Regency do have not special arrangements for the mating of their cows. In oestrous detection, farmers usually observe changes in the body condition and behaviour of their cows. The oestrous signs used were the swollen and reddish vulva, which secretes mucus, the cow wagging its tail and sniffing its genitals. The first oestrous age of Bali cows was 26.03±5.02 months. The S/C was 1.59±0.49 times. The pregnancy length was 9.10±0.18 months and the first calf was 36.76±5.03 months. The calf was weaned at 3.93±1.10 months and the cows have mated 4.20±0.90 months after calving. The calving interval was 13.71±1.06 months with cow’s reproduction index being 0.88±0.07 (head/year). The reproductive management and performances of Bali cows kept by smallholder farmers in Bima and Dompu Regency were in good and normal condition.