JAYAPURA - The Papua Provincial Government continues to promote the artificial insemination (IB) program to increase the cattle population.

According to Assistant II of the Papua Regional Secretariat, Setiyo Wahyudi, the local government is encouraging an increase in meat production to support the free nutritious meal program.

One of the efforts made is through the artificial insemination program in cattle.

"The point is that the availability of beef also meets regional needs."

"The hope is that consumption and production can be balanced or surplus. This beef is not only consumed in Jayapura City but can be sold to other areas as well," explained Setiyo after the calf harvest.

This activity took place in West Koya, Jayapura City, Thursday (14/11/2024) morning.

Meanwhile, the Acting Head of the Papua Plantation and Livestock Service, M.P Koibur said, the total number of calves harvested reached 300 heads as a result of the IB program in Jayapura City.

"At the location of this activity, there was only a sample of 20 calves. But in West Koya there are 200 calves, 70 calves in East Koya and 30 calves in Holtekamp," said Koibur.

He added that this IB program aims to improve the genetic quality of cattle. Because of the current condition, bulls are limited so inbreeding occurs which affects their quality.

"That's why we improve the quality through the IB program. In addition, through the IB program, it also reduces the cost of mating exotic cows from abroad with locals," he said. ***