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1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202541Preliminari Assessment of Draughtmater Cattle in Timor-Leste: A New Opportunity For Meat and Rural DevelopmentAlipio de Almeida1*, Flaviano S. Soares1, Carlito M.C. de Araujo1, Abrao J. Pereira1, Alberto A.P. da Costa Joao1, Rui D. de Carvalho1, Rogerio D.J. Amaral1, Marselo Monteiro2, Felismina M. Lourdes1, Saturnina P. da Silva1, Joao Americo1, Graciano S. Gomes1, Luis Tavares1, Armando B.M. Afonso1, Eduardo A. Serao11Animal Health Department, Faculty of Agriculture, UNTL2Veterinary technician, Livestock and Veterinary department, SMA Lautem*Corresponding author e-mail: alipio.dealmeida@untl.edu.tlAbstractIn Timor-Leste, crossbreeding Droughtmaster with the locally adapted Bali cattle is a strategic approach to enhance meat and milk production while preserving traits such as environmental resilience and disease tolerance. This genetic improvement is critical for boosting herd productivity and supporting rural development initiatives under challenging tropical conditions. This preliminary study aimed to assess the current distribution, productivity potential, health status, and crossbreeding practices of Droughtmaster cattle in Lautem Municipality and to explore their potential contribution to rural development programs, particularly school feeding initiatives. A field survey was conducted across five sucos within three administrative posts: Mehara, Titilari, and Maina, Serelau, and Ililai. Data were collected through interviews and consultations with livestock and veterinary technicians, suco chiefs, and agricultural extension officers. Observations of herd health and crossbreeding activities were also recorded during the field visits. A total of approximately 280 Droughtmaster cattle were documented. Most cattle were managed in about 45 herds, primarily located in coastal areas, indicating the breed%u2019s adaptation to such environments. Results suggested that Droughtmaster cattle were introduced into Timor Timur (now Timor-Leste) around 1980s. Presently, significant populations are only found in Lautem and Baucau municipalities.Historically, Droughtmaster cattle in Timor-Leste have been used solely for beef production. However, field data indicate that the breed is capable of producing approximately 4%u20136 liters of milk per cow per day under appropriate management. This presents a valuable opportunity to integrate Droughtmaster cattle into school feeding programs, contributing to child nutrition and linking livestock production to public health outcomes. Natural crossbreeding with Bali cattle was observed during the survey. Farmers reported that the Droughtmaster-Bali crossbreeds showed promising performance under existing local management systems. Preliminary health assessments showed possible infections with brucellosis and the presence of internal and external parasites. Limited access to veterinary services and feed resources were also identified as major constraints to optimizing cattle production. It is concluded that Droughtmaster cattle represent a valuable but underutilized resource for rural development in TimorLeste. Their dual-purpose potential (meat and milk), adaptability, and suitability for crossbreeding programs align well with national agricultural development goals. Keywords: Droughtmaster cattle; Timor-Leste; Crossbreeding; Meat production; Milk production; Rural development.