SJA_42_2_886-897

Introduction

The demand for beef in Indonesia continues to increase in line with population growth, rising income, and changes in consumption patterns. However, national beef production remains insufficient to meet domestic needs, resulting in a persistent supply–demand gap and reliance on imports (BPS–Statistics Indonesia, 2024) . Strengthening domestic cattle productivity and reproductive performance is therefore crucial to support national beef self-sufficiency efforts.

These national-level challenges are clearly reflected at the local level, as exemplified by the conditions in Sekadau Regency, West Kalimantan. The region depends on smallholder-based Bali cattle farming, with a total cattle population raised predominantly in semi-intensive and extensive systems (BPS-Statistics of Sekadau Regency, 2023). Nevertheless, productivity and reproductive performance remain suboptimal due to low adoption of technology, limited feed quality, weak estrus detection skills, and the continued dominance of natural mating at the farm level. Such constraints are consistent with common limitations in smallholder cattle systems in developing regions, where low input management contributes to weak reproductive efficiency and slow genetic improvement (Hajirin et al., 2020).

In direct response to these widespread and persistent challenges, the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture launched a series of national breeding programs. In 2017, UPSUS SIWAB (Upaya Khusus Sapi Indukan Wajib Bunting) was introduced to accelerate cattle population growth through intensified breeding services and reproductive supervision (Ministry of Agriculture, 2017). This program later evolved into SIKOMANDAN (Sapi Kerbau Komoditas Andalan Negeri) in 2020, with a stronger focus on improving artificial insemination (AI) performance, supporting breeding management, and increasing domestic cattle populations (Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services, 2022). However, the implementation of this program in Sekadau Regency has not yet achieved optimal results, as reflected by low reproductive success and limited improvement in farming practices.

Previous studies have largely focused on technical reproductive indicators, while limited attention has been given to farmer characteristics, inseminator performance, management practices, and stakeholder satisfaction—factors that strongly influence AI success at field level. To address this gap, the present study integrates performance evaluation with stakeholder-based assessments using the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA), providing a more comprehensive overview of program implementation.

In this regard, a comprehensive study is needed on the existing condition of Bali cattle maintenance, the performance of the Sikomandan program and its improvement strategies. This study aims to determine the reproductive performance of Bali cattle, examine the characteristics of farmers and inseminators, identify cattle management practices, measure satisfaction levels using CSI and IPA, and formulate strategies to improve the implementation of the SIKOMANDAN program in Sekadau Regency.

Materials and Methods

Research area

This research was conducted in Sekadau Regency, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Sekadau Regency is one of the developing livestock regions in Kalimantan with an area of approximately 5,444 km² and a population characterized by a predominantly agricultural and smallholder-based economy (BPS-Statistics of Sekadau Regency, 2023). Administratively, the regency consists of six sub-districts: Sekadau Hilir, Sekadau Hulu, Belitang, Belitang Hilir, Nanga Taman, and Nanga Mahap. The region is dominated by lowlands and river plains, with a tropical humid climate that supports forage growth throughout the year, making it suitable for the development of Bali cattle. However, cattle farming in this region is generally managed under extensive and semi-intensive systems, which contributes to low productivity and weak reproductive performance. These characteristics make Sekadau an appropriate and relevant location for evaluating the implementation of the SIKOMANDAN breeding program.

Research design

A mixed-method descriptive design was used, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to assess cattle performance, farmer characteristics, inseminator roles, and stakeholder satisfaction. The study involved surveys, field observations, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD), followed by quantitative assessment using the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA).

Sampling and respondents

Respondents and animals were selected using purposive sampling based on their direct relevance to the research objectives. A total of 95 farmers, 95 Bali

Table 1: Target and realization of the sikomandan program

Description	2022		Achievement %	2023		Achievement %
Description	Target (Heads)	Realization (Heads)	Achievement %	Target (Heads)	Realization (Heads)	Achievement %
AI Services	445	291	65.39	450	261	58.00
Pregnant	370	137	37.03	240	26	10.83
Born	600	450	75.00	281	573	203.91

cows, and 4 inseminators were involved in this study. Farmers were included if they had raised Bali cattle for at least one year, had cows that had undergone artificial insemination (AI), and demonstrated willingness to participate in structured interviews. The Bali cows selected were those that had complete reproductive records following AI services, while inseminators were individuals officially registered with the local Livestock Service Office and actively involved in AI programs in Sekadau Regency. This sampling approach ensured that all respondents possessed field experience related to SIKOMANDAN implementation, making the collected data relevant and representative of the study focus.

Data collection

Data collection was carried out through structured interviews using validated questionnaires, direct field observations, and reproductive performance recording. Through these procedures, information was obtained on farmer characteristics, inseminator roles, housing and management practices, and reproductive indicators of Bali cattle, including birth weight, calving ease, postpartum estrus, postpartum mating, service per conception, conception rate, and calving interval (Salman et al., 2021; Hariyono et al., 2025). Additionally, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted with inseminators and livestock officers to explore implementation challenges and collect qualitative insights that could support the formulation of improvement strategies for the SIKOMANDAN program. This combination of interview, observation, recording, and FGD methods ensured that both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of the research problem were captured comprehensively.

Data analysis

Cattle reproductive performance was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Farmer and inseminator satisfaction levels were assessed through the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) to measure satisfaction and determine priority areas for improvement. Qualitative results from the FGD were analyzed thematically and were used to support quantitative findings and strengthen the formulation of strategic recommendations.

Table 2: Achievement of the implementation of PC based on mating method

Year	PC	Mating method
Year	PC	AI (Total Livestock)	%	NM (Total Livestock)	%
2022	171	22	12.87	149	87.13
2023	31	11	35.48	20	64.52

Results and Discussion

SIKOMANDAN Program in sekadau regency

In 2022 and 2023, the Sekadau Regency set targets for AI at 445 and 450 heads, pregnancies at 370 and 240 heads, and births at 600 and 281 heads, respectively (Table 1). These targets were based on the district’s capabilities and previous SIKOMANDAN program achievements. However, in 2023, AI services and pregnancies achieved only 58% and 10.83% of their targets, respectively. In contrast, births exceeded the target at 203.91%, which reflected results from pregnancies in 2022. Mating method data indicated that NM dominated at 87.13% in 2022 and 64.52% in 2023, whereas AI accounted for merely 12.87% and 35.48%, respectively (Table 2).

Farmers’ and inseminators’ age

Table 3 shows that the average age of farmers in Sekadau Regency was 51.48 years, with 2.11% aged 30–40, 43.16% aged 41–50, and 54.73% aged more than 51 years. These farmers were in the productive age range, which allowed them to effectively manage livestock businesses. Table 6 shows that 50% of inseminators in Sekadau Regency were aged 30–40 years and that 50% were 41–50 years, both categorized as productive ages. Table 5 shows that Inseminators aged 30–65 years were in their prime working years, with good physical and cognitive abilities, which

Table 3: Characteristics of respondent farmers in 6 selected sub-districts

Socio-Demographics of Farmers	Subdistrict						Total (n=95)
Socio-Demographics of Farmers	Sekadau Hilir (n=59)	Sekadau Hulu (n=17)	Belitang (n=1)	Belitang Hilir (n=9)	Nanga Taman (n=2)	Nanga Mahap (n=7)	Total (n=95)
Age (Year)
30-40	2(3.39)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	2(2.11)
41-50	30(50.85)	4(23.43)	0(0)	3(33.33)	1(50)	3(42.86)	41(43.16)
>51	27(45.76)	13(76.47)	1(100)	6(66.67)	1(50)	4(57.14)	52(54.74)
Education Level
Uneducated	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)
Elementary School	22(37.29)	2(11.76)	0(0)	1(5.88)	1(50)	1(14.29)	27(28.42)
Junior High School	22(37.29)	6(35.29)	0(0)	4(25.53)	1(50)	1(14.29)	34(35.79)
High School	11(18.64)	9(52.94)	1(100)	4(23.53)	0(0)	5(71.43)	30(31.58)
Bachelor	4(6.78)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	4(4.21)
Experience in Farming
<1 Year	1(1.69)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	1(1.05)
1-3 Year	33(55.93)	6(35.29)	1(100)	9(100)	2(100)	4(57.14)	55(57.89)
4-6 Year	25(42.37)	11(64.71)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	3(42.86)	39(41.05)

Note: The numbers in ( ) indicate the percentage of each item.

enabled enhanced work capacity and decision-making to improve productivity compared with older age groups. These attributes influence decision-making, adaptability to innovations, and productivity outcomes (Suvedi et al., 2017).

Education level of farmers and inseminators

According to Table 3 and Table 4, farmers and inseminator in Sekadau Regency had relatively high education levels, with possessing an academy or higher education. Nevertheless, farming practices remained conventional and extensive, which led to poor reproduction and feed control. Higher educational attainment among farmers was correlated with faster adoption of innovative technologies as it improved decision-making skills and openness to change. Limited farming experience and lack of awareness about programs such as SIKOMANDAN reduced farmers’ sense of responsibility, requiring intensive training and extension services to enhance livestock management (Padhy and Jena, 2015). Primary education and participation in various nonformal educational activities were expected to augment the skills of the inseminator and the farmer so that the success of AI implementation increases (Hanif et al., 2024).

Experience in farming

Table 4 shows that farmers in Sekadau Regency exhibited varying levels of farming experience, with 57.89% having 1–3 years and 41.05% having 4–6 years. Farming experience can positively impact program implementation as experienced farmers are better equipped to manage livestock and overcome challenges. A longer farming experience leads to better problem-solving and decision-making abilities. In addition, experienced farmers were more cautious and responsive to innovations and new technologies, whereas less experienced farmers may be unaware of potential risks, which may affect their ability to implement farming programs effectively (Liang, 2022; Warman et al., 2023).

Experience in duty

As presented in Table 4, one inseminator had an experience of 4–6 years and three inseminators had an experience of more than 6 years. This observation is aligned with the findings of Musriati et al. (2024). The duration of experience as an inseminator indicates that the personnel can be considered sufficiently experienced and skilled, thereby reducing the probability of insemination failure owing to the staff’s mistake.

Training intensity

As listed in Table 4, the training intensity was two times for the four inseminators. The officers had undergone training to become inseminators at a government training facility and had obtained a certificate and a SIM-1. Hence, their ability to perform AI is expected to be good. These findings were also found among inseminators in Bali Province, where inseminators had completed at least one artificial insemination course. Some regions even offer additional training, such as pregnancy testing and assisting with reproductive techniques (Sarini et al., 2023).

Table 4: Characteristics of inseminators of the food security, agriculture, and fisheries office of sekadau regency

Sociodemographic Inseminator	Inseminator (n=4)
Age (Year)
30-40	2(50)
41-50	2(50)
>51	0(0)
Education Level
Uneducated	0(0)
Elementary School	0(0)
Junior High School	0(0)
High School	0(0)
Bachelor	4(100)
Experience in Duty
<1 Year	0(0)
1-3 Year	0(0)
4-6 Year	1(25)
>6 Year	3(75)
Training Intensity
1 Time	0(0)
2 Time	4(100)
3 Time	0(0)
4 Time	0(0)
The distance from home to the workplace
500m-1km	0(0)
1km-5km	1(25)
>5km	3(75)

Note: The numbers in ( ) indicate the percentage of each item

Distance from home to the workplace

The distance from the residence signifies how long the journey took for the inseminator to reach the recipient. Table 4 illustrates that one of the inseminators had a distance of 1–5 km to the workplace, whereas the other three had a distance of >5 km to the workplace. In conditions where the distance to the workplace is high, inseminators face several challenges in providing AI services because there are several areas in Sekadau Regency. The heavy burden is compounded by damaged roads, especially during the rainy season, which substantially hinders insemination activities. The travel distance of inseminators to their work areas considerably affects semen quality, leading to AI failures (Lieberman et al., 2016). A long journey in poor conditions, such as high hot weather, will likely reduce semen quality.

Table 5: Results of the calculation of customer satisfaction index for farmers

Atribute	Importance (I) Scale 1-5	Performance (P) Scale 1-5	Score (S) = (I) x (P)
Behavior, attitude	4.49	3.83	17.22
Polite officer	4.16	4.09	17.03
Knowledge of the officer	4.14	4.07	16.85
Pregnancy examination	4.20	2.96	12.42
Insemination cost	4.25	3.60	15.31
Visit schedule	4.13	3.88	16.03
Inseminator skills	4.02	3.96	15.91
Pregnancy rate	4.17	3.89	16.23
Availability of medications	4.19	3.59	15.04
Officers Attention	4.32	3.57	15.40
Not distinguishing the social status of farmers.	4.02	3.87	15.58
Officers respond to every complaint.	3.94	3.93	15.46
Management assistance provision	4.13	3.87	15.98
Clarity of information delivery	4.35	3.71	16.11
Average	4.18	3.75
Total	Total ( I ) = (Y) 58.49	Total (S) = (T) 220.58
Farmer CSI	T/×Y×100=220.58/5×58.49×100=75.42%

CSI: Breeders’ View of Inseminators

Further analysis of each attribute shows that officer behavior and attitude (4.49), clarity of information delivery (4.35), and officer attention (4.32), are considered the most important aspects for farmers. Meanwhile, the attributes with the most satisfactory performance are officer politeness (4.09) and officer knowledge (4.07). However, there are several areas that require urgent improvement because their performance is rated the lowest, namely pregnancy test (2.96), availability of medicines (3.59), and insemination costs (3.60). The biggest gap is evident in pregnancy test, where its importance is high (4.20) but its performance is very low (2.96) (Table 5).

Table 6: Results of customer satisfaction index calculation for inseminators

	Importance (I) Scale 1-5	Performance (P) Scale 1-5	Score (S) =(I) x (P)
Behavior, attitude	4.00	3.50	14.00
Polite Farmer	4.00	3.75	15.00
Knowledge of farmers	3.75	2.75	10.31
Pregnancy examination	4.00	3.25	13.00
Skills of farmers	4.25	3.00	12.75
Heat detection rate	4.00	3.00	12.00
Attention farmers	4.25	3.50	14.88
Response speed	3.75	3.00	11.25
Clarity of information delivery	4.75	4.25	20.19
Average	4.08	3.33
Total	Total ( I ) = (Y) 36.75	Total (S) = (T) 123,375
Inseminator CSI	T/×Y×100=123.37/5×36.75×100=67.14%

Breeders’ CSI calculation regarding inseminators’ service reached 75.42%, indicating that breeders in Sekadau Regency are satisfied with inseminators’ service (Table 5). A CSI value of 66–80.99% falls into the satisfied category (Saadah et al., 2019). The maximum CSI value is 100%. A CSI value of ≤50% indicates poor service performance. A CSI score of ≥80% denotes that users feel satisfied with the performance of the service (Paddeu et al., 2017). With a CSI above 75%, management must focus on addressing low performance on these vital attributes to increase farmer satisfaction scores to the “very satisfied” category and ensure more holistic services.

CSI: Inseminators’ view of breeders

The calculation result of the inseminator CSI regarding breeders was 67.14%, which indicates that the inseminators are satisfied with the performance of the breeders, and is lower than the satisfaction felt by breeders (as seen in the previous Table 5). This assesment is based on a high average importance rating (4.08 out of 5) compared to a lower average performance rating (3.33 out of 5) (Table 6), implying that inseminators’ expectations have not been fully met by attributes related to farmers or support system.

Specifically, the atributes considered most important for inseminators are clarity of information delivery (4.75), followed by farmer skills (4.25) and farmer attention (4.25). Interestingly, the attribute of clarity of information delivery also received the highest performance score (4.25), indicating that communications aspects have been managed well. However, the main problem lies in attributes directly related to farmers’ technical abilities. The attribute of Farmer Knowledge received the lowest performance (3.00), even though all three attributes are considered important for the success of insemination tasks. Therefore, to improvethe CSI of inseminators, the strategic focus should be on improving farmer education and training so tha they can become more competent partners and effectively support the insemination process.

IPA: Farmers

Quadrant A included attributes such as pregnancy examination, insemination costs, availability of medications, staff attention, and clarity of information delivery, which were important but exhibited low performance, requiring immediate improvement.

Table 7: Management of bali cattle maintenance in sekadau regency

Maintenance management	Subdistrict						Total (n=95)
Maintenance management	Sekadau hilir (n=59)	Sekadau Hulu (n=17)	Belitang (n=1)	Belitang Hilir (n=9)	Nanga taman (n=2)	Nanga Mahap (n=7)	Total (n=95)
Maintenance system
Intensive	7(11.86)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	7(7.37)
Semi Intensive	27(45.76)	0(0)	0(0)	2(22.22)	2(100)	2(28.57)	33(34.74)
Exstensive	25(42.37)	17(100)	1(100)	7(77.78)	0(0)	5(71.43)	55(57.89)
Type of feed
Concentrate and forage	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	1(14.29	1(1.05)
Only forage	59(100)	17(100)	1(100)	9(100)	2(100)	6(85.71)	94(98.95)
Type of forage provided
Odot grass	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)
Elephant grass	3(5.08)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	3(3.16)
Field grass	56(94.92)	17(100)	1(100)	9(100)	2(100)	7(100)	92(96.84)

Quadrant B comprised the behaviors and attitudes of officers, which should be maintained as strengths. Quadrant D included polite staff, inseminator skills, pregnancy rate, and management assistance, which were of low importance but provided high satisfaction. If these attributes incur costs, it is better to allocate resources to improve those in Quadrant A rather than continuing to invest in less impactful attributes (Figure 1).

IPA: Inseminators

Quadrant A included breeder skills, which were highly important but exhibited low performance, requiring improvement. Quadrant B comprised breeder attention and clarity of information delivery, which were the strengths to be maintained. Quadrant C encompassed breeder knowledge, pregnancy examination, heat detection rate, and response speed, which were less important and led to low satisfaction. Quadrant D included behavior/attitude and polite farmers, which were of low importance but provided high satisfaction. These findings highlight areas for improvement and maintenance to enhance the overall insemination process (Figure 2).

Maintenance system

The system or pattern of raising beef cattle comprises three patterns: intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive systems. The maintenance pattern practiced by farmers/breeders will determine the development and production process of the raised Bali cattle. In addition, the experience of farmers will play a significant role in the success of the beef cattle production process. As shown in Table 7, seven farmers used intensive system (7.37%), 33 farmers used semi-intensive system (34.74%), and 55 farmers (57.89%) used extensive system. This data shows that the predominant pattern of raising beef cattle practiced by farmers/cattle ranchers of Bali cattle in Sekadau Regency is extensive grazing practice, which continues to be maintained where cattle are pastured. The reason is that farmers/herders believe that natural

Table 8: Performance of bali cows in six subdistricts of sekadau regency

Performance parent	Subdistrict						Total (n=95)
Performance parent	Sekadau hilir (n=59)	Sekadau hulu (n=17)	Belitang (n=1)	Belitang Hilir (n=9)	Nanga taman (n=2)	Nanga Mahap (n=7)	Total (n=95)
Conception rate
1 time IB Service	9(15.25)	14(82.35)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	3(42.86)	26(27.37)
2 time IB Service	37(62.71)	3(17.65)	0(0)	2(22.22)	0(0)	4(57.14)	46(48.42)
3 time IB Service	13(22.03)	0(0)	1(100)	7(77.78)	2(100)	0(0)	23(24.21)
4 time IB Service	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)
Conception rate total (%)	27.37
Birth weight
<12 Kg	4(6.78)	5(29.41)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	9(9.47)
12-15 Kg	55(93.22)	12(70.59)	1(100)	9(100)	2(100)	7(100)	86(90.53)
>15 Kg	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)
Calving ease
No assistance required.	51(86.44)	0(0)	1(100)	9(100)	2(100)	5(71.43)	68(71.58)
Need simple help	8(13.56)	17(100)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	2(28.57)	27(28.42)
Need a puller, pulling tool, or operation.	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)
Post Partum Estrus
20-40 days	17(28.81)	5(29.41)	0(0)	4(44.44)	1(50)	2(28.57)	29(30.53)
41-60 days	41(69.49)	11(64.71)	1(100)	5(55.56)	1(50)	4(57.14)	63(66.32)
61-80 days	1(1.69)	1(5.88)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	1(14.29)	3(3.16)
>81 days	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)
Post Partum Mating
<60 days	33(55.93)	4(25.53)	0(0)	8(88.89)	2(100)	3(42.86)	50(52.63)
60-90 days	25(42.37)	13(76.47)	0(0)	1(11.11)	0(0)	4(57.14)	43(45.26)
>90 days	1(1.69)	0(0)	1(100)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	2(2.11)
Service per Conception
1 time IB Service	54(91.53)	16(94.12)	1(100)	9(100)	2(100)	7(100)	89(93.68)
2 time IB Service	4(6.78)	1(5.88)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	5(5.26)
3 time IB Service	1(1.69)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	1(1.05)
4 time IB Service	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)
Service per Conception (time)	1.07
Calving Interval
11-12 Month	15(25.42)	1(5.88)	1(100)	9(100)	0(0)	0(0)	26(27.37)
13-14 Month	42(71.19)	16(94.12)	0(0)	0(0)	2(100)	6(85.71)	66(69.47)
15-16 Month	2(3.39)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	1(14.29)	3(3.16)
>17 Month	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)	0(0)

grass and land are still available in sufficient quantities in Sekadau Regency, and therefore, they prefer extensive system.

The types of forage feed given

Feed availability is crucial for livestock growth, reproduction, and health. In Sekadau Regency, most farmers (98.95%) provided only forage grasses, with 94 farmers using field grass as the main feed and 3 farmers (3.16%) using elephant grass. Only one farmer (0.5%) provided both concentrated feed and green fodder. Cattle require 10% of their body weight in feed daily, and farmers prefer grazing their cattle in oil palm plantation areas, where green fodder, such as field grass, is readily available. This feed supports cattle growth and productivity. The conditions of forage utilization and integrated systems found in Sekadau District are common conditions commonly found in Indonesia (Martin, 2010; Agus and Widi, 2018).

Conception rate

The conception rate (CR) in Sekadau Regency for Bali cows was 27.37% (Table 8), which is well below the ideal 45–50% for Indonesian livestock. Farmers’ inability to detect heat, less skilled inseminators, low semen fertility, and poor health of female cattle are a few of the contributing factors (Wawo, 2018). Proper heat detection is crucial for successful AI. CR is influenced by bull and cow fertility, insemination techniques, and reproductive management. Male fertility is managed by the Artificial Insemination Center, whereas female fertility is the responsibility of breeders and veterinarians, with inseminators executing AI. These factors collectively affect CR outcomes.

Birth weight

Birth weight is a vital measure to determine whether the newborn calf has a weight that meets the standard. As showed in Table 8, the range of birth weights under 12 kg was 9 heads (9.47%) and 12–15 kg was 86 heads (90.53%). Calves born with a weight less than the minimum standard will experience poorer growth than those born with a normal weight. In general, the ideal birth weight of Bali cattle was only 12–15 kg (Said et al., 2016).

Calving ease

The process of calf birth is an important part of the reproductive process that starts from NM or AI and the gestation period and ends with the process of giving birth to the fetus. The normal calving process in cattle is categorized into three stages: dilation of the cervix within 2–6 h, the release of the fetus within 0.5–1 h, and the release of the placenta within 4–5 h. It can be seen in Table 8 that 68 heads (71.58%) did not require assistance, whereas 27 heads (28.42%) needed basic assistance. Cattle undergoing the process of parturition for >8 h since the first characteristic signs of parturition indicate that calving difficulties (dystocia) may lead to the death of the calf (Morek-Kopec et al., 2021).

Postpartum estrus

Postpartum estrus, defined as the first estrous cycle post-parturition, was evaluated across the subjects (n=95). The distribution of this interval was observed as follows: 30.53% of the subjects exhibited estrus between 20-40 days; the majority 66.32%, displayed estrus within the 41-60 days; and the remaining 3.16% had an estrous interval between 61-80 days. These findings are summarized in Table 8. This finding is in accordance with Laksmi et al. (2024), who stated that postpartum estrus in Bali cattle ranges from 2.2 to 3.4 months. Postpartum estrus will be prolonged if the livestock is lactating. Cows that are lactating will experience anestrus 2–3 times longer than those that are not lactating. In addition, during lactation, ovarian activity from estrus may not be observed for ≥2–3 months, especially if energy intake is low.

Postpartum mating

Postpartum mating is the first mating after giving birth naturally or artificially. As presented in Table 8, a total of 97.89% of the cows were mated within 90 days of calving. Specifically, 52.63% were mated in less than 60 days, and 45.26% were mated between 60 to 90 days. Only 2.11% of the cows showed an interval of greater than 90 days. According to the data obtained, the results from postpartum mating in good conditions show that the highest number was approximately <60 days, totaling 50 heads. Postpartum mating in Bali cows occurs 60–90 days after calving (Fatmona et al., 2024). By then, the reproductive system damaged due to birth would have healed. The distance between the time a cow gives birth and when she is bred again for the first time is a factor that affects the birth interval.

Service per conception

Service per conception (S/C) measures the number of inseminations required to achieve pregnancy. In 2023, the S/C value for Bali cows in Sekadau Regency was 1.07. A value of >2 indicates inefficiency in reproduction and long calving intervals, which increase the insemination costs. High S/C is caused by factors such as delayed heat detection, reproductive abnormalities, unskilled inseminators, limited service facilities, and inefficient transportation (Alim et al., 2023).

Calving interval

Breeding management is a crucial factor in the maintenance of beef cattle, and it also determines whether the female breeding cattle can give birth every year. The calving interval is the time between two consecutive births, which can be calculated by

Table 9: The topic of improvement strategies for SIKOMANDAN based on the results of importance performance analysis from farmers to inseminators.

No	Question	Solution
1	According to you, do the officers regularly conduct pregnancy checks after performing insemination activities?	There is a need to increase the number of pregnancy inspection officers to meet the needs in each district. The deployment of officers for training will be scheduled for the following year.
	A total of 37 out of 95 people answered less regularly
2	According to you, is it reasonable for the costs you pay to be in accordance with the agreement?	The costs for the service personnel must be the same for each other; if there is an increase in costs, it must be through an agreement between the farmer and the inseminator. Service costs may increase considering the distance to the location and the difficulty of the terrain in reaching the site.
	A total of 48 out of 95 people answered reasonable.
3	According to you, does the government provide veterinary medicines as a precaution in case livestock experience reproductive problems?	Each officer will be given a quota of medicine from the field, free of charge. Farmers can also collect medicine directly with the approval of the authorized veterinarian..
	A total of 54 out of 95 people answered enough.
4	Do the officers pay special attention to farmers when their livestock experience problems?	The addition of personnel is necessary so that every farmer feels the same way.
	A total of 50 out of 95 people responded with concern.
5	According to you, did the officer communicate the certainty of time clearly and quickly?	The delivery of information in a conventional manner will be replaced by digital media. Digital media through leaflets, YouTube presentation videos, and the provision of training on livestock reproduction management. The related field will also implement a millennial farmer program, which includes information about Provision of materials to young farmers in running livestock businesses with sources from officials of the district and provincial veterinary authority.
	A total of 59 out of 95 people answered clearly.

Table 10: The topic of improvement strategy for SIKOMANDAN based on the results of importance performance analysis from inseminators to farmers.

No	Question	Solution
1	Do you think farmers understand the characteristics of livestock in heat?	In addition to the insemination officers, it is hoped that other officers will include communication, information, and education (KIE) activities every time they go on field assignments. In addition, it involves a digital approach using media such as leaflets, YouTube presentation videos, and the organization of training on livestock reproduction management.

adding the duration of gestation to the time from giving birth until the next conception. As seen in Table 8, the offspring interval was 11–12 months in 26 heads (27.37%), 13–14 months in 66 heads (69.47%), and 15–16 months in 3 heads (3.16%). The normal calving interval was approximately 12 months or 1 year (Kristyari et al., 2021)

Program improvement strategy

The formulation of the improvement strategy for the SIKOMANDAN program uses the focus group discussion method to identify solutions from the results of the IPA. The discussion is about breeders’ assessment of inseminators, including pregnancy checks, insemination costs, availability of medications, the attention of the staff, and the clarity of information delivery. Meanwhile, inseminators’ assessment of farmers includes the latter’s skills (Table 9 and Table 10).

Conclusions and Recommendations

This research concludes that the performance of Bali cattle in Sekadau Regency is generally good, except for the CR, which is 27.37%. Farmers and inseminators are in their productive age with adequate education. Cattle management is primarily extensive and relies on pasture grass. The CSI results indicate satisfaction among breeders and inseminators, which reflects performance approval. Strategies to improve the SIKOMANDAN program include increasing inseminator personnel via training, transitioning from conventional to digital information delivery, and implementing a millennial farmer program focused on educating young farmers.

Acknowledgments

Our gratitude to the livestock farmers who were respondents, as well as stakeholders from the Food Security, Agriculture, and Fisheries Service of Sekadau Regency, especially Angela Duasa Septi, S.P., in providing secondary data for this research.

Novelty Statement

This study provides a novel assessment of Bali cattle performance under the SIKOMANDAN program in Sekadau District, West Kalimantan. It uniquely evaluates farmer and inseminator satisfaction using the Customer Satisfaction Index and Importance–Performance Analysis. Unlike previous studies, this research identifies critical gaps in artificial insemination success and proposes targeted improvement strategies, including enhanced pregnancy check training, standardized insemination costs, and digital communication methods. The findings contribute new insights into optimizing Bali cattle breeding, addressing reproductive inefficiencies, and strengthening government livestock programs. This study serves as a reference for policymakers, veterinarians, and farmers to enhance cattle productivity and sustainability.

Authors’ Contribution

Owen Ega Irfanda: Made substantial contributions to the conception, design, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of this study. Additionally, provided final approval of the version to be published, ensuring the research was presented accurately.

Panjono: Responsible for drafting and critically reviewing the manuscript to enhance its intellectual content, also assumed accountability for all aspects of the work, ensuring that any questions related to accuracy or integrity were thoroughly investigated and resolved.

Tri Anggraeni Kusumastuti and Adi Tiya Warman: Responsible for drafting and critically reviewing the manuscript to enhance its intellectual content. The second author also assumed accountability for all aspects of the work, ensuring that any questions related to accuracy or integrity were thoroughly investigated and resolved.

Each author played a crucial role in maintaining the quality and credibility of this research.

Generative AI or AI assisted technology statement

The authors declare that no generative AI and AI assisted technology was used in the creation of this manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The Author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article

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