Potential Development of Local Animal Genetic Resources in Maluku

Maluku has been well known as an archipelagic province consisting of small islands which are rich in natural resources such as exotic animals. Moa buffalo, Lakor goat, and Kisar sheep are local genetic resources of livestock from Maluku which have been endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia to be protected, conserved, and sustainably utilized for human welfare purposes. These three species have been a part of the local people life as food, income, savings, and organic fertilizer sources. Formulation of the Grand Design for the development of these species was completed in 2013, which includes some strategic policies for the development. Real follow-up actions in forms of research should be designed covering various aspects to accelerate the achievement of the development of these potential local livestock. The research aspects that should be considered are local human resource capacity strengthening, genetic quality improvement, animal feedstock development including local forage and pasture quality improvement, animal diseases control, animal waste-based bioenergy development, product and post-harvesting handling, and policy and regulation aspects.