External Genetic Characteristics of Swamp Buffalo Based on Sex and Age in South Konawe District

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the external genetic characteristics of swamp buffalo in South Konawe Regency based on sex and age.Variables observed included: skin color, stocking color, horn shape/direction, whorls and chevron lines in different sexs and ages.Based on the results of the research and discussion, it can be concluded as follows: (1) The skin color of swamp buffalo in South Konawe Regency is predominantly dark (black and dark grey) in both males and females (83.31%). The older the buffalo, the darker its skin color. Apart from that, there is an albino skin color which shows that inbreeding occurs in buffalo in this area, (2) the dominant sock color is dark gray (85.3%), (3) the dominant shape/direction of the horns is upwards ( 77.3%), (4) the dominant whorls are at the waist (73.33%), and (5) the dominant chevron is single (53.68%). To overcome the occurrence of inbreeding, it is necessary to procure males from outside the population and use them for a maximum of 3 years.