Judul: Female Reproductive Biology and Application of Artificial Insemination in Banteng (Bos javanicus d’Alton 1823)
Abstrak: The banteng (Bos javanicus d'Alton 1823) is one of the original Indonesian germplasms to be developed and conserved, and is considered endangered wildlife according to the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2010). The population of wild banteng has declined in many countries. The population decline is caused by illegal hunting, habitat destruction, and the spread of domestic animal-derived diseases. To increase the banteng population in the wild, various efforts are needed, including the use of artificial insemination (AI) reproductive technology. The breeding success of an animal species depends on several interrelated factors, one of which is the reproductive organs factor. Information on the reproductive biology of the Banteng as an ancestor of the Bali cattle is still very limited and poorly known, and knowledge of mating management in the Banteng is still lacking. Basic knowledge of ovarian characteristics related to the estrous cycle and monitoring methods are therefore very important for the success of a mating process. This research was extensively conducted between the monitoring of the reproductive cycle and the changes in the condition of the reproductive organs, namely by monitoring the reproductive cycle using ultrasound (USG). This study consists of 3 experiments. The first experiment aims to describe the characteristics of vaginal cytology and during estrus cycle and observe the clinical signs of estrus Banteng. Two healthy, sexually mature and fertile Banteng females from Taman Safari Indonesia were used for this study. Observation of clinical estrus symptoms and vaginal swabs were performed three times a week and for 5 consecutive days before and after estrus. The obtained vaginal swabs were then stained with Giemsa 0.24%. The epithelial cells obtained were parabasal, intermediate, superficial, and keratinized. Superficial cells are very dominant compared to other cells when estrus occurs, which corresponds to 50.20%, followed by keratinized cells with 38.51%, while other epithelial cells decreased, namely intermediate cells 26.82% and parabasal cells 13.44% for 3 estrus cycles. Readiness to be mounted by a bull or other female banteng at the time of oestrus is the most obvious clinical sign, and vaginal cytology procedures can be used to determine the oestrus cycle of banteng. The second experiment aimed to investigate the use of artificial insemination (AI) techniques based on the results of ultrasonic examination of the reproductive organs of the Banteng. Use of 2 female banteng in Taman Safari Indonesia, Cisarua, Bogor. Habituation to facilitate data collection. Optimal timing for reproduction is determined by examining the reproductive organs using ultrasound (USG) to detect changes in the uterus and ovaries and monitor clinical signs. Examination of follicle size and changes in the uterus of each banteng was performed on days -1, 0, and +1 for 3 oestrus cycles. Insemination is performed 2- 3 times during oestrus until ovulation occurs. The behavior of the banteng is easy to handle, they feel safe, calm and comfortable in the service box. The mean follicle size of the two Banteng females Andini and Uchi was 1.09 ± 0.02 cm on day -1, 1.31 ± 0.02 cm on day 0, and 1.33 ± 0.03 cm on day +1. Artificial insemination was
Keyword: banteng, vaginal cytology, artificial insemination, follicle size