Productivity, Potency and Development Strategy of Spotted Buffalo in the Sanggalangi’ Subdistrict, North Toraja District, South Sulawesi

Abstract

Spotted buffaloes (Tedong Bonga) is one of local livestock that has the highest value in Torajan’s culture. Population of Torajan's spotted buffalo has been decreasing since several years ago. The aim of this research was to analyze the productivity and reproductivity performances of Torajan’s spotted buffalo. Secondly, to analyze how the potency and development strategy of Torajan's spotted buffalo in Sanggalangi subdistrict, North Toraja. This research was conducted from July to September 2010 in the Sanggalangi’ subdistrict, North Toraja District, South Sulawesi. This research used sampling method were purposive sampling method for subdistrict samples and farmers samples ( 90 farmers). Two kinds of data were obtained in this research. The primary data was collected from the farmers by interview using questioner and observation. The secondary data was collected from North Toraja Livestock and Fishing Departement, Central Statistics Departement, Agricultural Departement and Subdistrict Departement. Data collected were analyzed with descriptive analysis, reproduction characteristic analysis, dynamics of buffalo population analysis, Capacity of Additional Ruminant Population (CARP) analysis, and SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. The result showed that as follow : the ratio between male and female was 1:3; first oestrus was at 2,48 years of age with the average duration of heat about 22,6 hours and the oestrous cycle about 18.5 days. The first conception occured at 2.87 years with the gestation period about 387,4 days. Birth rate and calf crop were relatively high: 89% and 77%. The difference of birth rate and calf crop caused mortality about 2,35%. Service per conception (S/C) was 1,85 time and conception rate was 86,5%. CARP estimation showed that Sanggalangi’ subdistrict’s CARP value was negative. The strategies formula of development spotted buffalo is turnaround strategies or stability of weaknesses and opportunities.