UGM Animal Science in collaboration with Universitas Trunojoyo Madura (UTM) established the Madura Cattle Research and Development Center (Risbang). The center is expected to grow and develop Madura cattle and conduct studies on the socio-economic relationship of Madura cattle with the lives of Madurese people.
“This event is part of Kedaireka activities, a collaboration between the UGM Faculty of Animal Science and the UTM Faculty of Agriculture, in this case, UGM as an expert,” said Dr. Bambang Suwignyo, Deputy Dean of Research, Community Service and Cooperation of the UGM Faculty of Animal Science during the launching of the center on Saturday (11/9).
Bambang explained that 21% of cattle in East Java are Madura cattle and contribute 25% of the national cattle population. Madura cattle are not only Madura’s assets but also one of the important assets of the national cattle germplasm. Many things can be done at the Research and Development Center, including breeding, recording, feed management, feed mill, socio-economics, forming the Sonok Madura cattle community, and down-streaming Madura cattle products.
UTM chancellor, Dr. Moh. Syarif, along with the dean of the UTM Faculty of Agriculture, during his speech gave the challenge to manage Madura cattle according to scientific principles and compete them with cows owned by the community. If we can prove the superiority of science by concrete examples, people will certainly find it easy to follow or adopt these ways.
“Madura cattle is local wisdom that should be preserved. Therefore, in my position as the people’s representative, I will fight for and support UTM-UGM efforts in the development of Madura cattle related to technical and socio-economic aspects,” said Ali Rihdlo, Member of the Indonesian Parliament.
Local farming community leaders also attended the launching of the Madura Cattle Research and Development Center.
