Gama Cattle (Gagah dan Macho/Strong and Macho), developed by the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM) in collaboration with PT Widodo Makmur Perkasa Tbk (WMPP), has officially been recognized as a new beef cattle breed in Indonesia. The designation was granted by the Ministry of Agriculture through Decree No. 840/Kpts/HK.150/M/09/2025. The release ceremony, held on Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025, was officiated by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono, accompanied by Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto.
Dean of Animal Science UGM, Professor Budi Guntoro, expressed his gratitude and pride over the government’s recognition of Gama Cattle as a new breed in Indonesia.
However, he emphasized that this milestone does not mark the end of their research.
According to him, continued collaboration with stakeholders remains essential.
“We aim to keep developing the Gama Cattle population sustainably, in pursuit of our national food sovereignty goals,” said Dean Guntoro, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.
Gama Cattle is the result of a crossbreed between Belgian Blue bulls and selected Brahman Cross cows.
This breeding combination produces cattle with adaptability to tropical climates, double muscling, and premium-quality beef.
According to Professor Ali Agus, the research team member, the study has been ongoing for approximately 13 years.
Professor Agus explained that Gama Cattle’s main advantages include adaptability to tropical conditions, double muscling, and high-quality beef.
Beyond these traits, the cattle also show another critical advantage: fewer calving difficulties.
“In Indonesia, one of our main challenges has been calving difficulty, which often leads to cesarean deliveries. This has been a major obstacle, but instead of giving up, we made strategic breeding choices,” he said.
He elaborated that while Belgian Blue cattle are known for double muscling, their cows often experience birthing difficulties due to the large size and heavy weight of their calves.
This is why Brahman Cross cows were chosen as dams, as they have large body frames and wide hips, making them better suited for calving.
“This cross produces a tropical-adapted cattle breed that thrives well in Indonesia’s climate,” he added.
Typically, Belgian Blue calves weigh between 40 and 60 kg at birth, whereas Gama Cattle calves average only 36 kg.
Despite their smaller size at birth, Gama Cattle grow rapidly when provided with good-quality feed. They also have smaller bones and double musculature.
“By the age of 30 months, or 2.5 years, they are ready for slaughter, weighing up to 700-800 kg. Another advantage is that their carcass yield exceeds 65 percent,” the researcher explained.
A carcass is defined as the part of an animal’s body remaining after slaughter, skinning, bleeding, and removal of internal organs, with only the edible meat left for processing.
Based on research, Gama Cattle has an average carcass yield of 65 percent, with the highest recorded at 68%.
Professor Agus expressed hope that Gama Cattle could help Indonesia achieve self-sufficiency in producing premium-quality beef.
“Hopefully, this will become one of the new varieties supporting Indonesia’s premium beef demand as a truly local product,” he concluded.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna