Bambang Kurnadi, a lecturer at Universitas Madura, successfully defended his dissertation titled “Qualitative and Quantitative Trait Analysis as a Support for the Conservation and Development of Sonok Cattle in Pamekasan, Madura” during an open examination held on Friday, December 20, 2024. The dissertation defense took place at the Postgraduate Auditorium of the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang.
The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Osfar Sjofjan, Head of the Animal Science Study Program, with Prof. Dr. Sc. Agr. Suyadi serving as the main promoter. The team of co-promoters included Prof. Dr. V.M. Ani Nurgiartiningsih and Prof. Dr. Kuswati. The panel of examiners comprised renowned academics, namely Prof. Dr. Gatot Ciptadi, Prof. Dr. Sri Wahjuningsih, Dr. Mashudi, and Prof. Dr. Sri Hidanah from Universitas Airlangga.
The dissertation focused on the conservation and development of Sonok cattle, a cultural icon of Madura known for its high economic and cultural value. The research was conducted in four subdistricts in Pamekasan Regency—Pakong, Pasean, Batumarmar, and Waru (Papabaru)—involving 120 Sonok cattle. The study employed principal component analysis (PCA) and SWOT analysis to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative traits of Sonok cattle and formulate development strategies.
The findings highlighted the unique characteristics of Sonok cattle, including skin color, snout shape, and body structure. The recommended development strategies included promoting Sonok cattle through competitions, market expansion, increasing population, and scaling up ownership among farmers. SWOT analysis categorized the development efforts as aggressive (Quadrant I), emphasizing the importance of strategic actions to ensure the sustainability of Sonok cattle as a cultural heritage and economic resource.
Prof. Dr. Sc. Agr. Suyadi, the main promoter, expressed his appreciation for Bambang Kurnadi’s dedication in completing this research, which is deemed to provide practical solutions for the conservation of local culture. The Rector of Universitas Madura, who was also present, conveyed his full support for the study, hoping that its findings would serve as a reference for the development of Sonok cattle in Madura.
This successful defense marks an important academic achievement for Bambang Kurnadi and strengthens collaboration between Universitas Madura and Universitas Brawijaya. The research is expected to significantly contribute to the preservation of Sonok cattle as both a cultural and economic asset in Indonesia.
