Reproductive Performance of Swines, in the Local Community of Ambon Island Towards Sustainable Livestock Business

Abstract Reproductive performance is one of the top priorities in the development of sustainable swine farming. A lack of breeders’ knowledge about reproduction can hinder future maintenance management. This study aims to determine the reproductive performance of swine and factors that affect business sustainability. This study uses survey methods and direct interviews in the field using structured questionnaires. Swine farmers consisted of respondents 32 from 3 villages, namely Latuhalat Village with 11 respondents; Passo Village had 9 respondents and Waitatiri Village had 12 respondents. The parameters observed include mating method, lactation duration, dry period after lactation, and weaning age. All data were analyzed descriptively. The results of the study showed that generally farmers in the three sample villages carried out the swine mating method naturally (100%); The duration of piglet lactation in Latuhalat Village was 60 days (81.82%), 25 days (18.18%); Passo Village 60 days (100%); Waitatiri Village 60 days (91.67%) and 45 days (8.33%); The age of weaning in Latuhalat Village is 60 days (81.82%), 25 days (18.18%); Passo Village 60 days (100%); Waitatiri Village 60 days (91.67%) and 45 days (8.33%); The dry period after lactation from the three sample villages of Latuhalat, Waitatiri, and Passo is 30 days (100%). It was concluded that the reproductive performance of swine in the local community of Ambon Island shows relatively uniform practices among farmers, but it is necessary to increase education and counseling to improve reproductive management which is still lacking to support the sustainability of swine farming in Ambon Island.