The UGM Faculty of Animal Science proudly welcomed its newest professor, Professor Sigit Bintara, who specializes in animal physiology and reproduction, on Tuesday (Feb. 6) at the UGM Senate Hall.
In his inaugural address titled “Elevating Sperm Quality Through Local Resources for Livestock Reproduction Enhancement,” he shed light on his academic journey and the research strides made alongside his team at the Faculty of Animal Science, UGM.
“The selection of my inauguration theme resonates deeply with my academic journey, tracing back to my undergraduate days. It mirrors the research endeavors I’ve embarked on with my team while serving as a lecturer at the faculty,” he expressed.
Professor Bintara underscored the significance of local livestock not only as a cultural heritage and natural treasure of Indonesia but also as a genetic reservoir necessitating preservation and conservation efforts.
Amplifying the livestock population is a challenge in animal husbandry, with reproductive enhancement of sperm quality emerging as one approach to tackle it.
In his discourse, he underscored the role of high-quality sperm in livestock reproduction, which is crucial for the success of widespread artificial insemination programs.
“In the reproductive process, sperm quality from male animals is necessary for successful mating. Without good sperm quality, natural mating and artificial insemination efforts face obstacles, impeding population expansion,” the professor explained.
Professor Bintara outlined the myriad factors influencing male animal sperm production, spanning genetics, nutrition, age, libido, and exercise. He emphasized that post-ejaculation sperm handling also significantly influences sperm quality.
Various techniques can enhance sperm quality post-collection, including enriching the sperm with antioxidant agents.
The professor highlighted the abundance of local resources brimming with antioxidants, such as red onion extract, garlic extract, moringa leaf extract, noni extract, basil extract, tomato extract, turmeric extract, and olive oil.
“An assortment of indigenous materials around us can serve as feed supplements and sperm dilution enhancers. Leveraging these local resources not only bolsters livestock reproduction efforts but concurrently safeguards plants’ genetic resources,” the professor elaborated.
In closing, Professor Bintara emphasized how research leveraging local resources to enhance sperm quality lays the groundwork for more efficient and sustainable livestock farming practices.
“By harnessing this knowledge, we can devise more effective strategies to bolster overall livestock population growth. It’s my hope that these initiatives will yield substantial positive impacts in propelling Indonesia’s livestock sector forward,” he concluded.
Author: Gloria
Photographer: Donnie