BRIN Researches Maluku Lakor Goats to Maintain Local Genetic Purity from the Threat of Erosion

Illustration - Village-owned goats in Kuta Padang Village, Johan Pahlawan, West Aceh, Aceh, Monday (June 16, 2025). ANTARA PHOTO/Syifa Yulinnas

JAKARTA - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is intensively conducting in-depth research on the Lakor goat, a local goat germplasm from Eastern Indonesia. This effort is being undertaken as a step to preserve the biodiversity of local goats amidst pressure from crossbreeding with exotic superior breeds.

The Head of the BRIN Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Puji Lestari, emphasized the crucial importance of conserving local livestock genetic resources.

"Local goats are an important part of the livelihoods of communities in many regions of Indonesia. They are a readily accessible source of animal protein and a valuable economic asset," said Puji, as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, November 17, 2025.

Puji warned that Indonesia faces the threat of genetic erosion if germplasm conservation efforts do not keep pace with the pressure from crossbreeding aimed at increasing meat and milk productivity.

"If genetic diversity is lost, we will not only lose our biological wealth but also reduce the livestock's adaptability to environmental changes and disease," she emphasized.

Extraordinary Genetic Potential Threatened

The Head of the Indonesian National Research and Development Agency (BRIN) Animal Husbandry Research Center, Santoso, added that local goat germplasm from Eastern Indonesia, such as the Lakor goat, possesses extraordinary genetic potential. Unfortunately, this potential is threatened by uncontrolled crossbreeding and a lack of systematic conservation efforts.

"This is where research and innovation play a crucial role, not only in understanding genetic diversity but also in protecting and developing it for future food security," said Santoso.

The Superiority and Genetic Purity of Lakor Goats

Researcher at the BRIN Animal Husbandry Research Center, Procula Rudlof Matitaputty, presented the results of her research on Lakor goats originating from Lakor Island, Southwest Maluku.

This goat is said to have several advantages, including high productivity, good adaptation to dry environments, a variety of color patterns, and rapid growth.

Molecular research also shows that Lakor goats are a monophyletic group with a single maternal line, indicating strong genetic purity.

Field Obstacles Become Challenges

Despite its excellent development prospects, Rudlof also highlighted several obstacles in the field, such as a shortage of animal health personnel, low capacity of breeders in reproductive management, unfocused marketing of productive animals, and limited medicines and livestock health services.

Rudlof emphasized that molecular technologies such as genome sequencing are now crucial for uncovering genetic diversity with high accuracy. Furthermore, local wisdom also plays a significant role in maintaining the sustainability of the Lakor goat population.

"The Lakor goat has excellent development prospects. Its diversity is an important asset for breeding programs and increasing productivity," concluded Procula Rudlof Matitaputty.