North Tapanuli, North Sumatra — Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), through the Faculty of Agriculture, researched non-genetic factors associated with the reproductive index of female buffaloes in smallholder farms in North Tapanuli Regency.
The research, entitled “Non-Genetic Determinants of the Reproductive Index of Female Buffaloes: Simultaneous Analysis in Smallholder Farms in North Tapanuli,” was conducted on September 7–10, 2026, in North Tapanuli Regency and funded by Universitas Sumatera Utara through the Basic Research Scheme for the 2026 Funding Year.
The research was led by Yusni Khairani Tampubolon, S.Pt., M.Sc., with members Winda Fransisca Saragih, S.Pt., M.Pt., and Ir. Achmad Sadeli, S.Pt., M.Sc., IPM, ASEAN Eng. The research activity also involved three students from the Animal Science program, namely Vincent Prince Eden Ambarita, Agustina Uli Siahaan, and Janrisen Sagala.
Exploring Factors Associated with the Reproduction of Local Buffaloes
Buffaloes are among the livestock that play a role in the community's livestock system in North Tapanuli. Reproductive efficiency is an important aspect because it is related to the sustainability of the livestock population and productivity.
This research specifically examines non-genetic factors that may be associated with the reproductive index of female buffaloes. These factors include farmer characteristics, livestock characteristics, husbandry systems, and various aspects of reproductive management implemented in smallholder farms.
Data collection was carried out through surveys and interviews using structured research instruments with farmers in the research area. The team also collected information on husbandry conditions and the reproductive history of female buffaloes as part of the research data compilation.
The research leader, Yusni Khairani Tampubolon, explained that the research was aimed at obtaining a more comprehensive picture of the factors associated with buffalo reproductive performance under smallholder farming conditions.
“Livestock reproductive conditions at the farmer level are influenced by various aspects. Therefore, this research attempts to examine several non-genetic factors simultaneously to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the reproductive condition of female buffaloes in North Tapanuli,” she explained.
The data collected will subsequently be analyzed to determine the relationships and contributions of various non-genetic factors to the reproductive index of female buffaloes. The research results are expected to serve as a scientific database and consideration in developing reproductive management strategies for local buffaloes that are appropriate to local conditions.
Involving Students in Field Research
Student involvement was part of the implementation of this research. Vincent Prince Eden Ambarita, Agustina Uli Siahaan, and Janrisen Sagala participated in field activities, ranging from preparing research instruments and collecting information from farmers to recording livestock data.
This involvement provided students with direct experience in conducting community-based research, particularly in collecting data within smallholder livestock systems.
Supporting the SDGs through Strengthening Livestock Data
This research also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, through strengthening the scientific knowledge base to support increased productivity and sustainability of livestock systems.
The research is also related to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through efforts to support the efficiency and sustainability of smallholder livestock businesses. In addition, the development of data-based livestock strategies and more efficient resource utilization is in line with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Through basic research based on field conditions, USU continues to promote the development of knowledge that not only produces academic data but can also serve as a basis for developing smallholder livestock systems and utilizing livestock resources sustainably in North Sumatra.