This study was conducted to observe Bali cows’ primipara reproductive performance between natural mating and artificial insemination. Fifty Bali cows owned by 44 farmers in Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, were used as the research sample at the first mating; 19 cows were subjected to natural mating (NM) and 31 cows to artificial insemination (AI). Farmer’s profile data, rearing system, and reproductive performance (the age of puberty, the first mating, gestation period, postpartum estrus, postpartum mating, and calving interval) were obtained from the farmer’s interview and inseminator record. An independent sample t-test was performed to analyze the differences in reproductive performance between NM and AI groups. The results showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in postpartum estrus (48.94 ± 12.75 vs. 82.74 ± 26.51 days), postpartum mating (59.00 ± 14.00 vs. 85.64 ± 25.45 days), and calving interval (348.57 ± 18.20 vs. 393.19 ± 31.05 days). In conclusion, Bali cows’ reproductive performance in primipara with natural mating is better than artificial insemination. So recommended that for the first mating, it is better to have a natural mating.

The research was conducted to explore the difference in qualitative characteristics between Simmental-Bali (SimBal) crossed cows and Bali cows. Research was done in Lombok Tengah Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Indonesia. The material used in this research was 60 cows consisting of 30 Bali and 30 Simmental-Bali crossed cows, about 2.5 years old. This research was carried out by direct observation. The cows used to belong to the farmers, kept by each owner intensively in a stall. Qualitative characteristics were analyzed descriptively and presented in percentages. The results show that Simmental-Bali crossed cows had different exterior characteristics from Bali cows. Among others, the body was dominant in brick red to dark brown, the legs were brown, the muzzle was pink spotted in black, the buttock was light brown, the tail hair was brown, the face vector was white, and the horn was upwards. It is concluded that Simmental-Bali (Simbal) crossed cows and Bali cows have different qualitative characteristics. This difference in qualitative properties does not become a problem for farmers in West Nusa Tenggara, so the cross-program using an exotic straw that has qualitative properties different from pure Bali cattle in the future can be continued.

The research was conducted to observe morphometric characteristics of Limousin-Bali crossbred cows in Lombok Tengah Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. Data were collected using purposive sampling technique with cattle measured including Bali cattle and Limousin-Bali crossbred. The material used 60 head cows which consisted of 30 head of Limousin-Bali crossbred (Limbal) cows and 30 head of Bali cows. The cows were kept in loose pens with a litter base. The feed was provided forages as well as drinking water which is freely given. The data was taken in the form of body length, withers height, chest girth, chest deep, chest width, hip height, hip width, head length, head width, and ear length. The data obtained were analyzed by an Independent sample t-test. The Limbal and Bali cows have body length, withers height, chest girth, chest deep, chest width, hip height, hip width, head length, and head width were 134.13±1.24 and 111.67±1.17 cm; 124.27±0.77 and 109.47±0.95 cm; 174.50±1.83 and 152.47±1.94 cm; 66.83±0.70 and 60.00±0.69 cm; 42.47±0.78 and 35.53±0.65 cm; 122.00±0.81 and 106.87±0.87 cm; 41.67±0.40 and 32.80±0.60 cm; 42.77±0.68 and 36.03±0.43 cm; 22.87±0.43 and 19.53±0.41 cm, respectively. All body measurements of Limbal cows were higher (P<0.05) than that of Bali cows. In conclusion, the morphometric characteristics of Limousin-Bali crossbred cows are higher than Bali cows.