SKHB IPB University Reveals the Revolution in Indonesian Racehorse Reproduction Technology
The national horse breeding industry is undergoing a major transformation through the use of advanced reproduction technology. In his scientific speech at IPB University on Saturday (1/24), Prof drh Amrozi explained the rapid growth in the horse population.
The Professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at IPB University highlighted the crucial role of reproductive technology in enhancing both the population and quality of horses.
He explained that the population of high quality horses has increased significantly since 2006. The increase in the number of excellent horses was clearly seen in the preliminary rounds of the prestigious ‘Indonesian Derby’. This growth has had a very positive economic impact on the national equestrian industry.
“The preliminary rounds for the most excellent horses will reach four races by 2025,” he said.
This success began with the use of ultrasound (USG) to determine the right time for horse breeding. Prof drh Amrozi emphasised that artificial insemination techniques are much safer for the horses’ safety. Pregnancy accuracy is also more assured through the use of modern reproductive status monitoring tools.
“Artificial insemination is safe because aggressive stallions sometimes cause injury or even death,” he added.
Technology continues to evolve through the Embryo Transfer programme, which involves advanced laboratories. This innovative programme has been running since 2022 in collaboration with Aragon Stable and King Halim. This collaboration is carried out at the Reproductive Rehabilitation Unit and the Assisted Reproductive Technology laboratory.
“The horses continue to compete, but the embryos are collected and then implanted into other mares,” he added.
This technique allows athletic horses to continue competing while producing superior offspring through recipients. Indonesia now has Indonesian Racehorses, which are the result of crossbreeding up to the seventh generation. These superior breeds are a source of national pride, comparable in quality to foreign thoroughbreds.
“This means that there has been an increase in the population of quality horses by almost two hundred percent for the community,” he added.
Efforts to improve genetic quality are also supported through the regeneration of veterinarians in the campus environment. Prof drh Amrozi hopes that equine reproduction expertise will spread widely throughout Indonesia. He wants all horse centres to have competent reproductive health experts.
“The training process for the growth of veterinary doctors specialising in horses is also very important,” he concluded. (MW) (IAAS/LAN)
