1
II
PREGNANCY TESTING IN CATTLE WITH RECTAL PALPATION
METHOD FOR PASTORAL BREEDING AT HEYTESBURRY CATTLE
COMPANY VICTORIA RIVER DOWNS STATION
Ihsan Salahuddin Rabbani
200110120205
Abstrak
Praktek Kerja Lapangan (PKL) dilaksanakan pada tanggal 21 Mei 2014 sampai dengan 22 Juni 2014 di Victoria River Downs Station, Heytesbury Cattle Company, Northern Teritorry-Australia. Pendalaman materi yang diambil adalah mengenai manajemen reproduksi yaitu deteksi kebuntingan dengan metoda palpasi pada pemeliharaan pastura. Dengan luas lahan 2824 km² dan populasi 24.000 ekor sapi guna meningkatkan efisiensi perusahaan diperlukan manajemen kemampuan reproduksi kawanan ternak yang lebih baik, yang akan bermanfaat untuk pemasaran, manajemen nutrisi, dan kontrol penyakit. Control pada musim kawin ternak dan deteksi kebuntingan adalah dua komponen utama dalam manajemen reproduksi. Deteksi kebuntingan pada induk berkontribusi terhadap manajemen reproduksi dengan dua metode kunci: 1). memudahkan mengidentifikasi ternak produktif, dan 2). membantu mengidentifikasi ternak non-produktif untuk diafkir. Kata kunci : Deteksi kebuntingan, palpasi, reproduksi, produktif, non-produktif. Abstact
The fieldwork practice (PKL) was held on May 21, 2014 until June 22, 2014 in Victoria River Downs Station, Heytesbury Cattle Company, Northern Territory-Australia. The comprehensive focus on materials given was reproduction management, which is pregnancy detection by palpation method for pastoral maintenance. With a land area of 2824 km² and a population of 24,000 cattle, in order to improve efficiency, the company needed better management of herd reproductive capabilities, which will be useful for marketing purpose, nutrient management, and disease control. Seasonal mating control and pregnancy detection are two major components in reproduction management. Detection of pregnancy in mother cows contributes to reproduction management in two key points: 1). facilitate identification of productive livestock, and 2). help identify non-productive livestock for culling.
Keywords: pregnancy detection, palpation, reproductive, productive, non-productive.
1
2.1. Introduction
A survey conducted by an
abattoir in Queensland indicated that
60% cows were pregnant during
slaughter. This showed that numerous
productive cows were being slaughtered
while non-productive cows are left or
unsorted in the herd (Boorman, J.,
1991).
In many cases, owners generally
were unaware that their cows were
pregnant or oblivious to the economical
loss due to sales of pregnant cows. This
loss was admittedly difficult to
determine accurately, but it was
estimated to reach tens of millions of
dollars annually (Boorman, J., 1991).
The economical loss was due to
diminished reproductive ability of the
herd and lower prices of beef as meat
quality decreased significantly during
pregnancy. The later the pregnancy, the
lower the quality of the beef. Pregnant
cows are more prone to stress and thus,
have higher incidence of dark cutters,
lower dressing percentage, and lower
carcass yields.
2.2. AIM
1. To understand the advantage
and procedure of pregnancy
testing on cattle.
2. To understand the diagnostic
scheme of cattle pregnancy.
3. To understand the optimal time
to conduct cattle pregnancy
testing for pastoral breeding.
4. To understand palpation method
of pregnancy testing on cattle.
2.3. Observational Method
1. Participation; direct
participation on fieldwork
programs.
2. Event recordings; photos and
videos taken to supplement
report contents.
3. Citations; data and information
collection on selected materials
2
from the company with manager
approvals.
4. Interviews; discussions on
selected materials with local
related persons, such as
managers and staff members in
Victoria River Downs Station.
2.4. Results and Discussions
Beef producers can increase
their efficiency by implementing
adequate reproductive management for
extensive cattle breeding or herding.
This will result in increase of profit,
better nutritional management and
disease control. Pregnancy testing is one
of the main keys in reproductive
management. Through pregnancy
testing, the company can determine
productive and non-productive cows.
In intensive breeding, pregnancy
testing is easier to manage; one of the
methods is to identify if there are signs
of estrus on the next cycle with the help
of careful recording. Meanwhile, in
extensive breeding, it is impractical to
monitor the cattle daily. Pregnancy
testing for extensive breeding directly
correlates to environmental
management. The optimal time for
pregnancy testing is during weaning in
yards.
Evidence from studies suggests
that fertility is the most economical
characteristic for livestock selection.
Estimates vary, but most sources stated
40-60 % selection efforts and
management practices should be
directed on improvement and
maximization of reproductive capacity
(Roger Kaus, 1997).
Reproduction rate varies
between properties and is proportional
with the changing seasons. Accurate
calculation results for the whole herd of
cattle in the Northern Territory is not
available; however, the percentage of
cows that produce calves under 12
3
months inter-calving interval is
estimated to be 50-70 %.
Achieving 95% calves weaned
to cows joined, an average calving
interval of 12 months, and a calving
spread of 10 weeks or less is the key to
profitability regarding high reproductive
efficiency (Geoff Kroker, et al, 2000).
2.4.1. Pregnancy Testing
Pregnancy testing is one of the
methods to monitor reproductive
efficiency and to detect common issues
in early breeding cycle.
Early detection of non-pregnant
cows is one of the advantages of
pregnancy testing. Principally,
pregnancy status of breeders can be
evaluated through various methods,
including:
Recording activity cycles
Hormonal testing of body
liquids, including milk, blood
and urine
Beta-mode ultrasonography
Real-time ultrasound
Measuring electrical
conductivity of cervical and
vaginal mucus
Rectal palpation
Unfortunately, not all pregnancy
testing are accurate. Survey from the
abattoir mentioned previously also
stated that from all cows declared not
pregnant through various methods of
pregnancy testing, 38% happened to be
pregnant and almost half were in the
second or last trimester of pregnancy
(Roger Kaus, 1997).
From all previously mentioned
pregnancy testing, none of them is
suitable to be used in every situation.
Until presently, the most economical
and effective method to detect
pregnancy in most situations is rectal
palpation.
In Victoria River Downs,
professionals such as veterinarians from
Katherine usually perform pregnancy
4
testing. The pregnancy testing is carried
out during weaning, which is on April to
June in first cycle, then on September to
October in second weaning cycle.
In many cases, the age of the
calf and calving date can be estimated
during rectal palpation. Cows expected
to calve early can then be separated from
cows expected to calve later. This can
provide a useful base for culling if
needed to reduce the number of cattle,
possibly during feed shortage.
Calving spread between
pregnant cows may rapidly decrease if
cows, which tend to calve early, replace
cows, which tend to calve late. Various
factors causing infertility in cattle can
also be determined. More common
causes include cystic ovary and uterine
infection. Disease and management
issues that affect cattle reproduction can
also be identified earlier through
pregnancy testing. Low pregnancy rate
in a period, for example, may be caused
by low fertility level of the bull. Low
fertility level in a herd may be caused by
infectious disease or inadequate
nutrition before mating.
2.4.2. Diagnostic Scheme of Cattle
Pregnancy
The objective of this scheme is
to provide a method of identifying
pregnant and not pregnant cattle to be
sold to buyers and sellers of livestock.
With this scheme, a veterinarian will
examine the animals before sale and
determine pregnancy status of each
animal. Livestock will then be given
individual identification with a wrap-
around tail tag, which is color-coded for
each category of pregnancy. On each tail
tag will be written the code number of
the veterinarian who examined the
cattle, individual numeric code for each
cattle, and an indication of the category
of pregnancy. An inspection certificate,
signed by the veterinarian performing
examination and contains detailed data
5
about the livestock examined, is also
prepared (Robert Hedlefs, 1994).
According to Robert Hedlefs,
there are three pregnancy categories
used in Australia:
1. Not detectably pregnant (NDP)
Cattle in this category might
include cattle with pregnancy less
than 6 weeks, a phase in which
pregnancy is difficult to confirmed
by manual examination.
2. Pregnant less than 4 months.
3. Pregnant more than 4 months.
There is the possibility of an
overlap between the two categories of
pregnancy for approximately 2 weeks.
By using the three categories it is to
possible to find out productive and non-
productive livestock. Productive
livestock are cattle that calve timely.
However, basically each company has
specific policies to determine the
identification process of productive and
non-productive livestock.
In Victoria River Downs station,
cattle that does not produce calves for
five years or considered non-productive
will be spayed first by taking her ovaries
using the Willis spay technique by a
veterinarian. This sterilization needs to
be done to ensure the cow does not get
pregnant while on a trip or at abattoirs.
Non-productive cows are usually sold to
Darwin and exported to Asian countries
for fattening or straight cut. Non-
productive cows that have been sold or
cut will be replaced with fertile heifers.
Meanwhile, productive cows, in this
case usually being pregnant, will be
released back to the herd.
From a genetic perspective,
although reproductive capacity can be
repeated, this ability tend not to be
inherited. If a cow produce a calf in the
near future this year, it is possible that
the cow will continue to calve early in
the years following. However, the calf
6
of the cow does not necessarily be able
to calve early.
The main advantages of
identifying productive and non-
productive cattle are :
Buyers will not experience
losses related to varied
proportions of non-pregnant
cows in one draft.
Seller will obtain higher price
for their livestock.
Knowing which cows are not
pregnant will attract more
buyers from meat processing
industries.
Minimize reproductive loss due
to slaughtering of cows in late
pregnancy.
2.4.3. Optimal Time to Conduct
Pregnancy Testing
The most practical and easy
time to detect pregnancy is during
weaning in the yards, where it is still
quite easy to separate empty cows, or at
least 13 weeks after the bulls are
separated during weaning. The weaning
period varies depending on the
management, location and climate where
the farm is located.
Pregnancy testing while the
cows and their calves are in the yard for
weaning also avoid difficulties that may
arise during identification and drafting,
and also when the calves have been
transferred back to the paddock.
Seasonal mating (a time when the bulls
were separated for a certain period in the
year) means weaning, pregnancy
detection and culling can be carried out
simultaneously, which also resulted in
cost savings for workers.
Additional advantage of
pregnancy testing during weaning is that
non-productive cows can be separated
from the property before the period in
which there is high nutrition pressure
(e.g. winter). April to early June is the
perfect time for weaning and pregnancy
7
detection. During dry season, early
weaning can increase the conception rate
of the next calving season.
2.4.4. Palpasi Rektal
Pregnancy testing in cows with
less than 13 weeks of pregnancy can
cause miscarriage. Miscarriage can be
minimized by experienced handlers, but
may reach 10 % if done by roughly by
inexperienced people (Geoff Kroker,
dkk, 2000). Therefore, all early
pregnancy detection, whenever possible,
should be done by a professional or
veterinarian. In general, the later the
pregnancy, the easier to diagnose.
Pregnancy testing that can
accurately indicate fetal age is much
more preferred than simple pregnancy
testing that is only able to determine
whether or not a fetus is conceived.
Measurement of fetal age is useful for
detecting some reproductive diseases
and to determine the performance of the
bulls during mating (Geoff Kroker, et al,
2000).
One method to detect pregnancy
is by rectal palpation. This pregnancy
testing method is not only more practical
and easier to perform, but also has high
accuracy. Rectal palpation is based on
the condition of the uterus, ovaries and
uterine blood vessels (median uterine
arteries) (Toelihere, 1985).
Although practical and easy,
pregnancy testing by rectal palpation is
not a simple technique. This testing
requires certain expertise and there is a
risk for the calves. The method includes
livestock handling at close range, which
is quite dangerous even for experienced
handlers.
Cows, which pregnancy is
tested, will enter the vet crush through
the race. Adequate facilities to curb
cattle, which is the vet crush, needs to be
provided during the process of
pregnancy testing. This is especially
8
necessary to ensure the accuracy of the
inspection and to prevent injury to the
handlers or veterinarian who perform the
examination. Race and crush to be used
must be in good condition and sturdy.
1
As soon as the cow enters the vet crush, handlers or veterinarians will
immediately test its pregnancy. The tools and materials needed are as following:
Long glove
Wearpack
Lubricant
Bucket
Water
Figure 4. Vet crush Front View Figure 5. Vet Crush Side View.
Figure 6. Race
2
The procedure of rectal palpation is as following:
1. Make sure your nails are not overgrown so as not to injure the rectum.
2. Wear long gloves lathered with lubricant such as tragacant, Vaseline, soap, or
other materials that will not irritate rectal mucosa (left hand is usually being used
to enter the rectum).
3. Hold the tail with one hand (the hand not being used to enter the rectum) to a
direction that will not obstruct view to allow easier access to rectum.
4. When entering the rectum, fold up the entire fingers. Stay your hand when you
feel contractions and move further inside when the contractions stop. If rectal
contractions are too strong, withdraw hand.
Figure 7. glove has been lubricate.
Figure 8. Pushing a Hand Inside a Rectum
3
5. If there are too many feces inside the rectum, remove the feces slowly until there
is enough space to reach and locate the cervix.
6. Locate cervix. Cervix is inside the reproduction tract and will be felt under the
hand while entering rectum. Cervix will feel hard and cylindrical.
7. Once cervix is palpable, move further inside and try to palpate whether there is a
fetus inside the reproduction tract. If you can feel something that feels like a
distended uterus, with small oval balls floating in a liquid inside, or something
that feels like a fetus, it can be concluded that the cow is pregnant. If you cannot
feel anything that would mean the cow is not pregnant or empty.
Figure 9. Finding the Cervix
Figure 10. Cows Reproduction (Rectum,
Cervix, and Uterus.
4
8. Once it is confirmed that the cow is pregnant, in late pregnancy or not pregnant,
withdraw hand slowly and return cow to the herd. Repeat with other cow.
Basically, plenty of practices are needed to know what we can feel during rectal
palpation. Commonly distinguished difference can be felt during the second until fifth
month of pregnancy, as we can feel something more prominent from the tennis-ball sized
ovaries.
According to Toelihere (Toelihere, 1985), signs of pregnancy in cows that can be
identified during rectal palpation are as following:
Table 8. Signs of pregnancy in cows.
Month Description
3 Cornua the size of volley ball, located slightly withdrawn into abdominal
cavity, uterine artery media clearly palpable and feels like the rustle of water
flow, palpable cotyledon the size of soybeans, palpable fetal membranes
5 Fetus has entered abdominal cavity and difficult to palpate. The cervix is
palpated as a flat hose, as the uterus is withdrawn into abdominal cavity due
to fetal weight and increased amniotic fluid volume. Placenta is the size of a
hundred rupiahs (1 cent AUS) coin when palpated, fremitus middle uterine
artery the size of straws are felt rippling
6 Fetal position of the fetus is parallel to pelvis, fetal ossification can be clearly
palpated, palpable middle uterine artery fremitus. The cervix is located at the
front edge of cranial symphysis and almost perpendicular to the bottom
7 Fetus is clearly palpable, middle uterine artery clearly palpable
9 Ends of fetal front legs and muzzle are very close to pelvic cavity, at the end
of pregnancy the muscles surrounding the pelvic bones visibly slacking, vulva
swells and mucus flows out. Fetus increase in size and middle uterine artery
fremitus becomes more prominent
Sumber: Toelihere, (1985)
1
Meanwhile, according to Manan
(Manan, 2000) in his thesis Ilmu
Kebidanan Ternak (Obstetrics for
Livestock), indications of cattle
pregnancy are as follows:
1. Rectal palpation of cornua uteri,
uterine cornua enlarged and
filled with placental fluid
(amnion and allantois).
2. Rectal palpation of the cornua
uteri, amniotic bag.
3. Fetal membranes, alanto-corion
in the narrowing of uterus, felt
between thumb and index finger.
4. Palpated and reflected fetus
inside enlarged uterus
containing fetal membranes and
placental fluid.
5. Palpable placenta.
6. Palpable enlarged middle
uterine artery, thin vessel walls
with fremitus.
On the other hand, Balai Besar
Pelatihan Peternakan Batu stated that
certain indications of pregnancy in cows
through rectal palpation examination
are:
1. Careful palpation of amniotic
sac in early pregnancy, 35 to 50
days.
2. Palpation of enlarged uterine
cornua filled with placental fluid
in day 30 to 90 of pregnancy.
3. Fetal membrane, allantochorion,
felt during uterine pinching
between thumb and index finger
in early pregnancy, day 40 to 90.
4. Palpated and reflected fetus
inside enlarged uterus
containing fetal membranes and
placental fluid.
5. Palpable placenta.
6. Palpable enlarged middle
uterine artery, thin vessel walls
with fremitu.
In some situations, not all empty
cows are being directly sold to abattoirs
or exported to Asian countries.
2
According to Victoria River Downs
manager, Russel Richter, there is an
advantage of delaying to sell non-
pregnant cows. When feed is aplenty
and beef price is decreased, the best
strategy is to return the cows to a
specialized paddock for fattening to be
sold in the future. Other profitable
decision is to sell the cows after the
calves are weaned. Bang-tailing is a
common practice to facilitate
identification of cows that will be culled
until 6 months in the future.
Other option is to re-mate the
non-pregnant cows, especially heifers,
for the next mating season. This strategy
can be applied to properties with more
than one calving period per year. In
properties with only one calving period,
a small group of late calving cows may
result in management difficulties.
If a non-pregnant cow is being
re-mated, a good recording is needed to
ensure barren cows are not being kept
and removed between herds with
differing calving period.
Pregnancy testing has an
implication in sales. Cows sold by live
weight will fetch higher price if a non-
pregnant certification from veterinarian
is provided.
2.5. Conclusions and Suggestions
2.5.1. Conclusions
In pastoral care for livestock,
pregnancy testing is one of the keys on
reproductive management to improve
business efficiency. This affects the
increase in profits, nutrition
management, and disease control for the
enterprise. By detecting pregnancy, the
company can determine whether a cow
is considered productive or non-
productive. Two major considerations in
deciding whether non-pregnant heifers
would be given a second chance to mate
are breeding value and the cost to
maintain the heifers.
3
Pregnancy testing by rectal
palpation is considered to be the most
effective method as it cost less and does
not require lots of manpower. The
optimal time to conduct pregnancy
testing is during weaning, which is from
early April to early June.
2.5.2. Suggestions
On the field, pregnancy testing
during weaning often cause stress for the
cows, due to rough handling by
livestock stockman towards pregnant or
non-pregnant cows. This not only affects
the reproductive capacity of livestock,
but also endangers the stockman, as
stressed cows tend to be difficult to
control. Thus, patience and knowledge is
needed to handle cows, especially cows
that are pregnant.
Experienced professionals with
a certificate should perform pregnancy
detection in order to avoid inaccurate
pregnancy prediction, given the
importance of the results of a pregnancy
test for future breeding plans.
This method of rectal palpation
is not commonly used in Indonesia,
especially for beef cattle. However, on
farms such as in Sumba area, which still
maintain cattle pastures, knowledge on
seasonal mating and pregnancy testing
can be applied.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Asmoro, Dwi. Palpasi Rektal dan
Pemeriksaan Kebuntingan (PKB). Dinas Kelautan Perikanan dan Peternakan Kabupaten Mesuji. [Online]. Tersedia: http://dkpp.mesujikab.go.id/artikel/33-palpasi-rektal-dan-pemeriksaan-kebuntingan-pkb (3 April 2015).
Australian Brahman Breeders
Association Limited. Pregnancy Testing of Cattle. [Online].Tersedia:http://www.brahman.com.au/technical_information/reproduction/pregnancyTestingCattle.html (3 April 2015)
Boorman, J. (1991). Bonechewing
Country: Cattle Management for Northern Australia. 56 pp. Queensland. The Department of Primary Industries.
4
Hedlefs, R. 1994. Cattle Pregnancy Diagnosis Scheme. Queensland. The Department of Primary Industries.
Kaus R, Lapworth J, Carroll P. 1997.
The Stockman’s Handbook 6th Edition. Queensland. The Department of Primary Industries. 36-37.
Kroker G, Bendigo, Clarke L, Hamilton.
2000. Pregnancy testing of beef cattle. Department of Environment and Primary Industries. [Online]. Tersedia: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/agriculture-and food/livestock/beef/breeding/pregnancy-testing-of-beef-cattle (27 Maret 2015).
Manan, D. 2000. Ilmu Kebidanan Pada Ternak. Nangroe Aceh Darussalaam. Universitas Syahkuala. Toelihere MR. 1985. Ilmu Kebidanan
Pada Ternak sapi dan Kerbau. Salemba. Jakarta Universitas Indonesia.
1
LIST OF APPENDIXES
Appendix 1. Victoria River Downs Station Area Map
Appendix 2. Overview of Livestock Classification
During Harvest
If 300kg < weight < 350kg
MUSTERING
(From a paddock to yard)
DRAFTING
(Drafted cattle in the yard)
CALF
(Baby cattle)
WEANER
(Weight calf > 100kg)
FAT CATTLE
COW
1. Branding
2. Ear mark
3. Castration
(only steer)
4. Dehorn
BUSH CATTLE
1. Branding
2. Ear mark
3. Castration
(only steer)
4. Dehorn
5. Vaccine
botulism
(only heifer)
6. NLIS tag
WEANER’S
PADDOCK
FOR 10 -11
MONTH
BULL
GOOD BULL
CULL BULL
CULL COW
GOOD COW
PREG TEST AND SPAY
EMPTY OR SPAYED COW
PREGNANT OR LACTATING
COW COW
SELL
If weight > 300kg
SELL TO
INDONESIA Steer and spayed heifer
33
Appendix 3. Procedure of Livestock Rectal Palpation and Sterilization
Appendix 4. Events and Activities.
Pre-Programs
Before leaving for Australia, Indonesia-Australia Pastoral Industry Student
Program 2014 participants firstly received a three -day training at PT. Citra Buana
Agro Universe, Malangbong, Garut, West Java. Participants received various
training, including ways of identifying and handling Brahman Cross in a colony,
Figure 11. Briefing during rectal palpation.
Figure 12. The collection of the ovary using Willis spay technique.
33
which aims to make the participants familiar with the behavior and the behavior of
Brahman Cross cattle which are imported from Northern Australia. In addition,
34
participants were also given an overview of the symptoms of the disease
that usually arises in feedlot industry.
Events and Activities
Arriving at Darwin, participants were welcomed by the Chief Executive of
the Northern Territory Cattlemen Association, Luke Bowen. During the two days
in Darwin, the participants were welcomed by the Indonesian Consulate On this
occasion, Mr. Ade Padmo Sarwono as Consulate of Indonesia provide advice and
messages about everyday culture of the people of Northern Australia.
Figure 13. Participants in PT. Citra Buana Agro Universe, Malangbong, Garut, West Java.
Figure 14. A placard for the Executive
Director of the NTCA, Luke Bowen.
Figure 15. With the Indonesian
consulate in Darwin, NT.
35
Participants received training at Charles Darwin University, Katherine
Rural Campus and Charles Darwin University-owned Mataranka station for two
weeks before being placed on a cattle station. Trainings provided include: safety
procedures standard operation procedure, working at height, welding, horseback
riding, the production of grass, grazing, rangelands, behavior and characteristics
of cattle, animal welfare, handling cattle, operating motorcycles, cars, tractors,
and Quadrant bikes, as well as first aid.
Figure 16. Working at Height.
Figure18. Welding.
Figure 17. Approacing a horses.
Figure 19. Riding motorbike dan
quadbike.
36
Activities at Victoria River Downs Station
Figure 20. Learning experience in
class, Mataranka station. Figure 21. Material presentation on
rangelands.
Figure 22. Participants at Mataranka
station.
Figure 23. Learning about first aid procedure.
Figure 24. Preparation for mustering using motorbike and helicopter.
37
After training for two weeks at Charles Darwin University, Katherine
Rural College and Mataranka station, the participants were divided two-by-two to
be placed at a cattle station. The cattle stations were some family-owned and some
owned by private companies. The participants worked at the cattle station for six
weeks.
Figure 25. Fencing Figure 26. Castration on cattle using
scalpel.
Figure 27. Drafting weaner. Figure 28. Walking cattle across
Victoria River.
38
Post-Programs
Having spent six weeks at cattle stations, the participants reconvened at
Charles Darwin University, Katherine Rural College, and then prepare some
presentations about activities of participants while working at the cattle stations.
The presentation is done in two places, namely campus of Charles Darwin
University and the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Darwin. The
presentations were attended by managers and state officials.
Figure 29. The stockman crews dan
manager Russel Richter (middle). Figure 30. Stockcamp for 5 days.
Figure 31. Presentation about the
activities at Charles Darwin University.
Figure 32. Presentation about the activities
at Indonesian Consulate.
39
Appendix 5. Articles on the Programs
1. Mahasiswa Indonesia Lulus Magang di Peternakan Australia
Sebanyak 10 mahasiswa Indonesia kini mudik berbekal pengalaman dan
pengetahuan tentang industri peternakan setelah sebulan magang di peternakan
Wilayah Utara Australia.
Kesepuluh mahasiswa itu lulus setelah mengikuti program pertukaran
mahasiswa tahunan Asosiasi Peternak Wilayah Utara (Northern Territory - NT)
Australia. Prakarsa yang kini masuk tahun ketiga itu, bertujuan mempererat
hubungan antara berbagai sektor di bidang industri ternak sapi Australia dan
Indonesia.
Febrina Prameswari, yang magang selama sebulan di Peternakan Pigeon
Hole di Daerah Victoria River, dekat perbatasan Australia Barat, mengatakan
sungguh luar biasa melihat jumlah pasokan ternak sapi ke Indonesia. "NT
mengekspor demikian banyak sapi ke Indonesia untuk memasok protein karena
populasi Indonesia sangat besar," kata Febrina.
Figure 33. Presentation about the activities
at Faculty of Animal Husbandry,
Universitas Padjadjaran.
Figure 34. Presentation about the activities at
Dean Office, Faculty of Animal Husbandry,
Universitas Padjadjaran.
40
Dikatakannya, perbedaan besar antara peternakan Indonesia dan Australia
adalah luasnya, dan Febrina menekankan bahwa ini sebagai tantangan bagi visi
swasembada daging sapi di Indonesia. "Di Indonesia segalanya serba kecil, baik
ternak, petani mau pun desanya," ujar Febrina Prameswari. "Di kota-kota besar,
tidak banyak tanah yang bisa dijadikan peternakan sapi." Febrina mengatakan,
pengetahuan barunya mengenai kesejahteraan dan gizi hewan dapat digunakan
untuk membantu meningkatkan ternak di Indonesia.
Industri-industri ternak di kedua sisi Laut Timor berharap para alumni
seperti Febrina Prmeswari akan menjadi pemimpin-pemimpin masa depan di
bidang pertanian Indonesia.
Konsul Ade Padmo Sarwono, diplomat Indonesia di Wilayah Utara (NT)
Australia, mengatakan program pertukaran itu juga merupakan kesempatan
penting bagi para produsen Australia untuk mengerti lebih baik tentang Indonesia.
Konsul Sarwono mengumumkan bahwa ia akan meninggalkan NT untuk
memangku jabatan sama sebagai konsul di Australia Barat.
Sumber :
http://www.australiaplus.com/indonesian/2014-07-01/mahasiswa-
indonesia-lulus-magang-di-peternakan-australia/1335780
2. Mahasiswa Indonesia Bisa Beradaptasi dengan Peternak Australia
Oleh : Carmen Brown
Dua mahasiswa Indonesia, Salman Chafid dan Ade Kariyani, mendapat
kesempatan bekerja di peternakan Ujung Utara Australia (Top End). Kesempatan
ini merupakan mimpi mereka yang jadi kenyataan.
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Pasangan ini sudah berada di sana selama tiga minggu terakhir di
Peternakan Auvergne, 350 kilometer barat daya daerah Katherine. Ini merupakan
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bagian dari program pertukaran industri, yang dijalankan oleh Asosiasi Peternak
Wilayah Utara (NT) bekerja sama dengan sejumlah perguruan tinggi di Indonesia
Peternak Dave Young yang menjadi mentor pelatihan mengatakan kedua
mahasiswa Indonesia ini dapat menyesuaikan diri dengan kehidupan di
peternakan.
"Ya mereka begitu terlibat, sepertinya sudah lama berada di sini. Semuanya bisa
bergaul dan mereka gembira," ujar Dave Young.
"Saya pikir para peternak sangat gembira menerima mereka. Sepertinya
mata peternak saya terbuka, karena mereka begitu ingin mengetahui lebih banyak
tentang Indonesia," tambah Dave Young.
Ia mengatakan, "Salman dan Ade juga ingin mengetahui lebih banyak
tentang Australia, jadi segalanya berjalan baik." Young mengatakan para rekrutan
baru telah disibukkan belajar segala sesuatu mulai dari memagari, merencanakan
dan bahkan mereka telah berkemah beberapa malam di sebuah swag (semacam
tenda). "Mereka juga sudah melakukan sedikit tugas pekerjaan di seputar
peternakan," jelasnya.
Program pertukaran ini telah berjalan selama tiga tahun, bertujuan
membantu industri ternak Wilayah Utara, memperkuat hubungan dengan mitra
dagang terpenting.
Untuk Salman Chafid, mahasisiwa dari Universitas Gajah Mada, program
tersebut semuanya untuk mendapatkan pengalaman praktis. Meski pun dia
merasakan penat berhari-hari di tegalan, dia terkesan dengan etos kerja sesama
pekerja peternakan tersebut. "Orang-orang di sini sangat baik. Mereka bekerja dari
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sebelum matahari terbit sampai setelah matahari terbenam," kata Salman.
"Memang bikin capek, tapi itu baik. Saya akan menerapkan cara kerja ini, begitu
saya kembali ke Indonesia, karena jika orang bekerja seperti itu, hal ini baik bagi
saya," jelasnya.
Para mahasiswa itu akan menghabiskan seminggu lagi pada penempatan
mereka di peternakan, sebelum kembali ke Indonesia tanggal 27 Juni 2014. Tapi
itu mungkin tidak terlalu lama, sebelum Salman Chafid kembali ke NT. "Ya, ini
adalah mimpi saya. Saya suka tempat ini dan saya berharap saya akan datang
kembali," kata Salman Chafid. "Mungkin saya bisa bekerja di sini atau belajar di
sini. Australia adalah negara yang baik."
Sumber :
http://www.australiaplus.com/indonesian/2014-06-17/mahasiswa-
indonesia-bisa-beradaptasi-dengan-peternak-australia/1328282
3. Mahasiswa Fapet Unpad Belajar Industri Peternakan di Australia
Oleh : Ihsan Salahuddin Rabbani
Mahasiswa Fakultas Peternakan Unpad, Ihsan Salahuddin Rabbani, dan 9
mahasiswa dari Fakultas Peternakan dari berbagai daerah di Indonesia mengikuti
Indonesia-Australia Student Pastoral Program di Northern Territory Australia
pada April hingga Juli 2014 mendatang.
Program ini merupakan kerja sama yang dirintis oleh mahasiswa Fakultas
Peternakan Unpad, Universitas Brawijaya dan Ikatan Sarjana Peternakan
Indonesia (ISPI) dengan Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA)
Australia untuk belajar tentang industri sapi potong pada tahun 2012 lalu. Dalam
perjalanannya, sejumlah universitas lain bergabung sehingga pada tahun 2010 ini
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total ada 10 universitas terdiri dari Unpad, Universitas Brawijaya, Institut
Pertanian Bogor, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Diponegoro, Universitas
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Andalas, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Universitas Hasanuddin, Universitas
Sriwijaya, dan Universitas Mataram.
Masing- masing delegasi memiliki tujuan serta misi berbeda. Delegasi
Unpad, Ihsan yang merupakan mahasiswa tingkat dua, memiliki tujuan untuk
belajar, menambah wawasan, serta mencari pengalaman terkait industri sapi
potong di Australia. “Menjalin relasi serta pemahaman antar kedua belah pihak
juga menjadi hal penting dalam program ini” Ujar Ihsan.
Untuk dapat terpilih menjadi delegasi bukan perkara mudah karena setiap
mahasiswa harus menghadapi beberapa tahapan seleksi yang cukup ketat dari
masing–masing universitas terutama kecakapan dalam berbahasa Inggris dan
pengetahuan tentang peternakan.
Bersama Robi Agustiar selaku mentor para mahasiswa tersebut, mereka
disambut hangat oleh Executive Director NTCA, Luke Bowen, dan dua orang staf
dari kedutaan Indonesia di Australia. Mereka akan diberikan pelatihan terlebih
dahulu selama dua minggu di Katherine Rural College Charles Darwin University
sebelum ditempatkan di Cattle Station’s. Hal ini agar setiba di Cattle Station’s
nanti sepuluh mahasiswa tersebut tidak terkejut dengan metoda peternakan yang
digunakan.
Metoda yang digunakan Australia berbeda dengan di Indonesia. Sapi di
Australia umumnya dipelihara menggunakan metoda ekstensif atau dikenal
dengan metoda pengembaraan pastoral. Berbeda dengan Indonesia yang
menggunakan sistem pemeliharaan secara intensif dimana sapi dipelihara di
kandang dan diikat hidungnya sehingga sapi relatif jinak serta terbiasa dengan
manusia. Sapi yang dikembangkan dengan metoda ekstensif biasanya terbilang
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lebih agresif karena jarang bertemu dengan manusia, sapi tersebut terbiasa hidup
di area yang luas atau biasa disebut paddock.
Para mahasiswa juga akan dikenalkan dengan yang namanya mustering,
walking cattle, drafting cattle suatu kegiatan yang tidak mudah. “Understanding
cattle behavior is the basic of efficient and safe specially when mustering” ujar
Witney saat mengajar sepuluh mahasiswa dari Indonesia.
Mereka diberikan pelatihan tentang basic working with cattle seperti safety
procedure work with cattle, animal behavior, animal welfare, rangelands, pastoral
management, working at high, first aid, menunggang kuda, mengendarai
motorbike dan quadbike hingga mengendarai alat berat seperti traktor.
Tahun ini lima Cattle Station’s tersebar di wilayah Northern Territory ikut
berpartisipasi dalam program ini yaitu Lake Field, Auvergne, Cave Creek, Pigeon
Hole, dan Victoria Rivers Down. Rencananya setiap Cattle Station’s akan
ditempati oleh dua orang mahasiswa. Terhitung sejak 16 Mei 2014 lalu sepuluh
mahasiswa tersebut sudah mulai menjalani kehidupan di masing-masing Cattle
Station’s hingga 22 Juni 2014 nanti.
Sumber :
http://www.unpad.ac.id/2014/06/mahasiswa-fapet-unpad-belajar-industri-
peternakan-di-australia/
4. Seminar Penutupan Australia-Indonesia Pastoral Study Student
Program 2014
44
Konsulat RI Darwin bekerja sama dengan Northern Territory Cattlemen’s
Association (NTCA) telah melaksanakan kegiatan Seminar Penutupan Australia-
Indonesia Pastoral Industry Student Program 2014. Kegiatan ini mengakhiri
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rangkaian program yang dilaksanakan oleh sepuluh mahasiswa Indonesia yang
telah berada di Northern Territory selama sembilan minggu.
Pada seminar penutup ini, para peserta mempresentasikan kegiatan yang
telah mereka lakukan selama pelaksanaan program. Selama dua minggu peserta
melaksanakan pelatihan di Katherine Rural College, Northern Territory (NT) dan
enam minggu selanjutnya mereka melaksanakan program magang di lima cattle
station yang terdapat di NT. Secara umum, peserta menyampaikan pengalaman
baru yang didapatkan tidak hanya terkait pelatihan dan praktek-praktek lapangan
terkait kegiatan di cattle station, namun juga terkait pengalaman tinggal dan
bekerja dengan keluarga/orang Australia.
Dalam sambutannya, Konsul RI Darwin, Bapak Ade Padmo Sarwono
menyampaikan ucapan selamat kepada para peserta yang telah menyelesaikan
program ini. Banyaknya pelajaran dan pengalaman berharga diharapkan akan
membuka wawasan dan mendukung perjalanan hidup mereka ke depan. Program
ini sendiri bukan merupakan program pemerintah namun lahir dari masyarakat
yaitu NTCA bekerja sama dengan Ikatan Sarjana Peternakan Indonesia (ISPI).
Program ini merupakan contoh kuatnya hubungan antar masyarakat (people-to-
people relations) yang terjalin antara Indonesia dan Australia, terlepas dari pasang
surut hubungan politik kedua negara.
Di akhir presentasi, Charles Darwin University memberikan sertifikat
kepada peserta yang telah menyelesaikan program dan kenang-kenangan dari
Konsulat RI Darwin. Acara dilanjutkan dengan ramah tamah dan makan bersama.
Sepuluh orang yang mengikuti program tahun 2014 ini adalah Randa
Kristoni (Universitas Andalas), Ferdinand Umbu Tay Hambadima (Universitas
Nusa Cendana), Aulia Uswa Noor (Universitas Hasanuddin), Febrina Prameswari
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(Institut Pertanian Bogor), Choirul Badriyah (Universitas Diponegoro), Ihsan
Salahuddin Rabbani (Universitas Padjadjaran), Mahfuz Ahmadi Jakfar
(Universitas Sriwijaya), Ismail Yusuf (Universitas Brawijaya), dan Luh Ade
Kariyani Nugraha (Universitas Mataram).
Sumber :
http://www.kemlu.go.id/darwin/Pages/PressRelease.aspx?IDP=29&l=id#.
U7ZnqToMau0.facebook
5. NT Producers Reuine with Indonesian Students
Oleh : James Nason
For the past three years the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association
has brought Indonesian Animal Husbandry students to northern Australia to learn
about Australian cattle production systems and to foster greater cross-industry
understanding of the unique challenges faced by producers in both countries
The Indonesian students typically spend eight weeks in Australia under the
NTCA’s Indonesian Australia Pastoral Student Program, which includes six
weeks of practical hands on training working alongside Australian stockmen and
women on northern cattle properties.
Several of the Australian host families then visit Indonesia to reunite with the
students they hosted in Australia and to learn more about Indonesian agriculture
and its requirements as a market.
The NTCA recently completed its reciprocal tour to Indonesia for 2014,
leading a delegation which included Mataranka Station manager Stuart Austin and
his wife Trisha Cowley, a beef extension officer with the DPI&F in Katherine
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Mr Austing told Beef Central upon his return that the value of the relationships
being forged between Australia and Indonesia’s cattle industries through the
program was impossible to measure.
“these people-to-people relationships cannot be valued in dollar terms but
hold and immeasurable value in terms of our industry and partnerships in our
most important live export market,” he said.
“One can only hope that the powers that be at a Territory and Federal level
are able to grasp how important these relationships are to both Australia and
Indonesia.”
A total of 34 Indonesian students have participated in the first three years of the
program, and the NTCA is hopeful the initiative can continue to grow with
ongoing support from the $60m Australian-Indonesian Red Meat partnership in
future.
NTCA executive director Tracey Hayes said Indonesia was an incredibly
valuable trading partner for northern Australia and the student program was
playing a critical role in helping to develop strong and mutually beneficial
relationships for both cattle industries going forward.
For northern cattle producers, trading with Indonesia was not simply about
“sending 700,000 cattle into market and then walking away.”
“It is very important for us to have an understanding of the environment
Indonesian farmers operate in, the challenges and the opportunities they face, and
to contribute through information exchange and assisting them to achieve their
production goals,’ Ms Hayes said.
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Ms Hayes said some of the Indonesian students involved in the first student intake
in 2012 were now actively employed in Indonesia’s agricultural sector
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A highlight of the NTCAs recent tour of Indonesia was a function at the Australia
embassy in Jakarta where former students gave presentations to dignitaries from
both countries about their time in Australia.
Those in attendance included Australia’s ambassador to Indonesia Greg
Moriarty, former NT chief minister Terry Mills and Indonesia’s director general
of livestock, Dr Syukur Iwantoro.
2014 student Febrina Prameswari spoke eloquently about her time in Australia,
while the delegation also heard from 2012 student participant Wahyu Bolang.
Upon graduating from university in 2013 Wahyu worket for an Indonesian cattle
importing company and now works for Meat & Livestock Australia in Indonesia
under the guidance of MLA’s Indonesia region manager John Ackerman.
It was a really powerful and incredible experience,” Ms Hayes said of the
recent tour. “The intangible benefits this will bring, it is very hard to put a
measure on it. “Some of the students come from villages of one million people
where they are just one of many, and they are given this opportunity to come out
to Autralia, to learn how to ride a motorbike, to ride a horse and to drive a car.
“They are from villages where no one owns cars, and it is just an
incredible experience for them. “Being in a big stock camp, they still have to tend
to their own cultural and religious require,emts, they still have to stop and pray,
and to fit into a community that is completely foreign to them. “When they go
home their families are so incredibly proud of them.”
Ms Hayes said it was gratifying to see the pride that senior Indonesian
Government officials took in hearing first-hand about what their students had
achieved in Australia. “They were very proud of what these students have done,
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they have a strong awareness now of what the program is all about and they want
to see it continue to grow and prosper.”
Ms Hayes said the success of the program stemmed largely from the
strong level of industry but-in and producer support involved.
NTCA members gave up their time freely to contribute to the program
because they understood the value of building relationships between Australia and
Indonesia, she said. She also acknowledged the support the program had received
from Indonesia-Australia Partnership on Food Security in the Red Meat and Cattle
Sector, MLA and the Northern Territory Government.
Sumber :
http://www.beefcentral.com/live-export/picture-gallery-nt-producers-
reunite-with-indonesian-students/
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