Effect of Parity and Type of Birth on Reproduction Performance of Garut Ewes in Indonesia

Garut sheep is one of the superior sheep breeds originating from Garut, West Java, Indonesia. Garut sheep have a good reproductive system with a relatively high birth rate. This facilitates the process of breeding and developing sheep populations. However, it is not yet known whether there is an influence of non-genetic factors (parity and birth type) on reproduction (liiter size, lambing interval, birth weight, and weaning weight) of Garut sheep. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship of non-genetic factors on reproductive traits of Garut ewes. The total number of female Garut sheep used was 327 with the criteria of having given birth. The results showed that the average litter size, lambing interval, birth weight, and weaning weight were 1.87 heads, 118 days, 2.73 kg, and 12.86 kg, respectively. The 3rd parity had the highest litter size and a shorter kidding interval than other parities. In addition, the type of birth also has a significant effect, namely the number of kids triple effect on the long lambing interval. Non-genetic factors affected the reproductive performance of Garut sheep

Sustainability of Packaged UHT Cow’s Milk Products Using the Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) Method

Product positioning is how a product is defined by consumers in terms of the attributes of competitors or the place where the product is distinguished in the minds of consumers compared to other products. This study aims to analyze the sustainability of packaged UHT cow's milk products in the market using the Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) non-metrik method. This research was conducted in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, specifically at shopping centers frequently visited by consumers, namely Lotte Mart and Satu Sama, from May to July 2024. The sampling technique used was accidental sampling, where anyone who happened to meet the researcher while purchasing UHT cow's milk and was deemed suitable as a data source was selected. The total number of respondents obtained during the study was 65. The analysis results show that Indomilk UHT and Frisian Flag UHT have superior positions in terms of storage temperature, packaging design, ease of use, and ease of storage, located in quadrant I. Meanwhile, Ultra Milk UHT and Diamond Milk UHT compete closely in terms of product innovation and discounts, located in quadrant III. These findings indicate that each brand has certain competitive advantages that can be leveraged for product development and more effective marketing strategies. To achieve product sustainability, the development of packaged UHT cow's milk products needs to focus on attributes valued by consumers, thus allowing for increased competitive advantag

Measuring Group Dynamics Index (GDI) of Beef Cattle Farmers in West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara

This study examines the social dynamics of cattle farmer groups as a strategic approach to supporting the sustainability of cattle farming in rural areas. There is evidence to suggest that social dynamics play an important role in livestock farming, impacting productivity, efficiency and sustainability. The main objective of this study was to develop a Group Dynamics Index (GDI) with a specific focus on evaluating eight key elements of group dynamics: purpose, structure, task function, coaching, cohesiveness, atmosphere, pressure, and group effectiveness. The study employed a quantitative descriptive survey methodology, involving 150 respondents drawn from three sub districts in West Lombok Regency. Data collection was conducted using a structured Likert scale-based questionnaire, which facilitated the measurement of respondent’s perceptions and attitudes. A weighted analysis approach was applied to the gathered data to generate a cumulative index. The findings indicate that structural factors, such as decision-making and task division, and non-structural elements, including interpersonal relationships and social support, significantly influence group dynamics. It was observed that farmer groups in the Lembar sub-district demonstrated the highest cumulative index (0.68), exhibiting excellence in aspects such as group structure and task function. Farmer groups in the Narmada sub-district exhibited a cumulative index of 0.65, distinguishing themselves through their notable group cohesiveness and atmosphere. Conversely, the farmer group in Gunung Sari demonstrated strong member loyalty (0.60) yet exhibited a need for substantial enhancement in internal management, particularly concerning task function and group pressure. The study concludes that the sustainability and effectiveness of group dynamics are contingent on the balanced integration of structural and non structural elements. A comprehensive, holistic approach that harmonizes internal management and social relations is essential to support overall group performance. The GDI proved to be a relevant and applicable tool for comprehensively evaluating group dynamic

Properties of Soft Cheese Supplemented with Cinnamon Extract (Cinnamomum burmannii) During Storage

An innovative milk-based functional product was developed to produce a quality and healthy animal product, such antioxidant-rich cheese. The study conducted to identify the chemical composition, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) viability, color characteristic, hardness, and stickiness cheese with cinnamon extract during storage. Material used were cow milk from UPT Ternak Perah Diponegoro University, cinnamon extract, animal rennet, and culture of Lactobacillus plantarum Kita-3 from Food and Nutrition Culture Collection (FNCC), Universitas Gadjah Mada. The research assessed experimentally using completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 6 replications. Cheese was stored on refrigerator at 4-10°C and observed at 0, 10, and 20 days to determine titrated acididity (TA), water content (WC), free fatty acid (FFA), LAB viability, color characteristics, hardness, and stickiness. Treatments were addition of cinnamon extract 0% (P0), 3% (P1), 6% (P2), and 9% (P3). Data collected was analyzed by analysis of variance and continuing with duncan’s multiple range test. The addition of cinnamon were not affected (p>0.05) to TA and FFA at 0 day observation, WC, b*, stickiness at 0 and 20 days, and hardness at 10 days. Meanwhile, it affected significantly (p<0.01) to TA at 10 and 20 days, pH and LAB viability at all observation, WC at 10 days, FFA and hardness at 0 and 20, and stickiness at 10 days. In summary, the addition of cinnamon up to 9% could produce a good quality of cheese during storage.

Identification of AHSG gene polymorphism and association with flavor and odor compounds of Indonesian lamb meat

Flavor and odor are important factors for consumers to consider the quality of lamb meat. The AHSG Alpha2-Heremans- Schmid Glycoprotein gene is associated with a fatty acid content and is indicated as a gene controlling flavor and odor compounds. The research aims to identify the AHSG gene polymorphism and its association with flavor and odor compounds in Indonesian lamb meat. The sample used in this study was 105 ram samples consisting of 10 Javanese Fat-Tailed Sheep (JFTS), 80 Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep (JTTS), and 15 Jonggol sheep (JS). The AHSG gene polymorphism was validated using the PCR-RFLP technique with the EagI enzyme EagI. The association of the AHSG gene SNP (g.198655287 G>A) with odor and flavor was analyzed using the T-tests. The AHSG gene polymorphism in Indonesian lamb was polymorphic with three genotypes, i.e., GG, GA, and AA, and in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The AHSG significance was associated (PA, can potentially serve as a genetic marker for lamb meat production by reducing flavor and odor

Quality of Mayonnaise Supplemented with Calamansi Peel Flour (Citrofortunella microcarpa) as a Potential Functional Food

This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties and consumer preferences of mayonnaise containing calamansi peel flour (Citrofortunella microcarpa) as a functional food ingredient. It used a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments: 0% (P0), 1.5% (P1), 3.0% (P2), and 4.5% (P3), each consisting of six replications. The observed parameters included antioxidant activity (DPPH, total phenolics), physical properties (pH, viscosity), and chemical properties (moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, crude fiber content), as well as consumer preferences assessed through a hedonic test. The IC50 value for the antioxidant activity of calamansi peel flour was 723.92 ppm, while the total phenol content was 10.36 mg GAE/g. Increasing the level of calamansi peel flour raised the viscosity, moisture, ash, protein, carbohydrate, and crude fiber content of mayonnaise, but it decreased the fat content. In conclusion, the addition of 1.5% calamansi peel flour produces the finest quality mayonnaise and is regarded as acceptable by consumers as a functional food component.

An Empirical Analysis of Veterinary Certification, Perceived of Freshness and Price Suitability on Repurchase Intentions of Certified Beef in Pekanbaru

Rapid economic growth has led to an increase in the consumption of meat in the city of Pekanbaru in Riau Province, Indonesia. This calls greater attention from the government and animal product business units to improve the quality of meat supply. Implementing hygiene and sanitation practices along meat distribution channels is one strategy to enhance the quality of meat. The Indonesian government requires meat products to have certification in the form of a Veterinary Control Number (NKV). This study aims to study the effect of NKV certification marks, superior value of fresh beef, and perceived price suitability on the intention to repurchase NKV-certified beef. This study was conducted using a mixed method, using in-depht interview and survey design. The questionnaires were distributed through online and offline methods to a sample of 200 respondents, who were selected using judgemental sampling method based on the following criteria: (1) they were residents of the city of Pekanbaru; (2) they were at least 21 years old; (3) they had engaged in buying beef. The questionnaire consisted of 22 questions regarding NKV labelling, superior value of fresh beef, perceived price suitability, and intention to repurchase NKV-certified beef. Data were analysed with linear multiple regression analysis using SPSS 26 software package. The results of the t test showed that only the superior value of fresh beef had no significant influence (β = 0.075) on the intention to repurchase certified beef in Pekanbaru, while the NKV certification mark (β = 0.160) and perceived price suitability (β = 0.447) had a significant influence on the intention to repurchase certified beef. This study shows that the research model explains 28.4% of the variability in the intention to repurchase beef. This research concluded that the NKV certification mark and perceived price suitability are important factors that influence the intention to repurchase beef in Pekanbaru City

Competitiveness and Impact of Government Policies on Beef Cattle Business in East Kolaka District, Indonesia: A Policy Analysis Matrix Approach

Beef is one of the main food commodities, so to realize beef self-sufficiency, the government has made many policies to realize the beef self-sufficiency program.The objective of this study was to analyze the competitiveness and impact of government policies on beef cattle in East Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi Province. This research was conducted in East Kolaka Districtin 2024, a total of 120 beef cattle farmers weresurveyed using systematic purposive sampling and data were analyzed using the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) an economic tool for evaluating competitiveness and policy effects. The respondents were obtained by applying systematic purposive sampling with survey method and analyzed with PAM. The results showed that beef cattle farming in East Kolaka Districtispersonally and socially profitable. This explains that beef cattle farming is still profitable for farmers even without government policy. This business also has competitiveness both competitively and comparatively. This can be seen from the Domestic Resource Cost Ratio (DRC) svalue of 0.59 and Private Cost Ratio (PCR) of 0.81. Government policies on outputs and inputs of beef cattle business in East Kolaka District reduce incentives for producers, are ineffective in protecting production and cause higher production costs compared to potential profits without these policie

The Influence of Social Capital on The Group Dynamics of Kebumen Ongole Crossbred (PO Kebumen) Cattle Farmers, Central Java Province, Indonesia

This study investigates the influence of social capital comprising trust, social networks, norms, and interpersonal relationships in the group dynamics of Kebumen Ongole Crossbred (PO Kebumen) cattle farmers in Central Java, Indonesia. Utilizing a quantitative approach with an explanatory survey design, 178 respondents were selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data analysis revealed that each component of social capital significantly impacts specific dimensions of group dynamics, including group goals, organizational structure, task distribution, training and development, cohesion, work atmosphere, group pressure, effectiveness, and hidden agendas. Trust fosters cooperation and reduces conflict; social networks enhance communication and resource sharing; norms ensure group stability and alignment with shared goals; and interpersonal relationships strengthen solidarity. These findings underscore the pivotal role of social capital in enhancing group dynamics and suggest broader implications for improving the sustainability and productivity of farmer groups. Furthermore, the results highlight the potential for leveraging social capital to drive rural development and advance Indonesia's livestock industry

Qualitative Modeling to Analyze The Performance of Beef Cattle Farms That Receive Government Aid in Banyumas District

The objectives of this study are to analyze the success of the beef cattle assistance program in Banyumas Regency as seen from the economic performance of the business and to identify the factors related to the performance of beef cattle farms receiving assistance in Banyumas. This study used a field survey method in Purwojati and Jatilawang Subdistricts, Banyumas Regency with in-depth discussions and interviews (focus group discussions). The sample size was determined using purposive sampling. There were 65 informants from 4 groups of beef cattle farmers who received assistance in 2021 and 2022. Data analysis using Cash Flow and Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) qualitative modeling. The results of the cash flow analysis research found that one farmer group was considered efficient, one was inefficient, and the other two groups could not be identified because there was no revenue and expenditure data. Factors related to business performance of beef cattle farmers in Banyumas Regency based on Causal Loop Diagram were found to be livestock suitability, violation, motivation, and feed.