The characteristics of Sasra cattle, a local cattle from Sragen - Central Java

Efforts to conserve local cattle are important in order to get potential beef-producing cattle. A local cattle from Sragen District—Central Java, commonly referred to Sasra cattle, is one of the potential local cattle that will be developed. This study is intended to identify the characteristics of Sasra cattle, as part of the initial development steps. In 2017, a series of Focus Group Discussion was held by inviting historical actors, leaders, breeders, inseminators, the Sragen Regency Livestock and Fisheries Service officers, and Lembang’s Artificial Insemination Center to obtain historical data, characteristics, and farmer community responses related to the Sasra cattle. Body measurements (i.e. chest circumference, body length, and shoulder height) were taken in order to see the cattle performance. Genetical reviews of the molecular aspects have also been carried out. Results of the study showed that based on the history, Sasra cattle were a descent from the hibridization of Aberdeen Angus, American Brahman, and Ongole grade cattle breeds. Based on its phenotype, Sasra cattle could be characterized by the different head to body shape and color if compared to their ancestries, but at a glance, the body shape and color are close to the Angus cattle. There were 10 unique characteristics of Sasra cattle. The quantitative measurement of Sasra cattle is greater compared to that in other local cattle in Indonesia. Molecular evidence show that Sasra cattle have high similarity level to Bos indicus, than to Bos taurus and also confirms that Sasra cattle might have ancestry from Bos javanicus.