The Science and Technology Model Farm (STMF) is one of the technology transfer modalities conceptualized and developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). It showcases the requirements and effects of applying the full package of technologies (POT) or “technology convergence” for identified priority commodities under the PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP).
Inspired by the status of Western Visayas as the leading native chicken producer in the Philippines, with 13 million native chicken population, the Capiz State University (CapSU) has developed a project on the establishment of STMF on Free Range Darag Native Chickens in Dumarao, Capiz. The project is being funded by PCAARRD.
The two-year project, which commenced in April 2016 and to be implemented until March 2018, aims to develop and showcase the POT for free range chicken production. The POT includes development of native chicken breeding and hatchery management system that would ensure stable supply of both breeder and slaughter native chickens of predictable performance and consistent quality in commercial quantities. It will also develop natural feeds, botanical anthelmintics, vaccine for New Castle Disease (NCD), and range area enhancement protocol for native chicken production.
With the S&T interventions emphasizing on artificial incubation and brooding, botanical dewormer and oil emulsion vaccine, it is expected that farm production and profitability of free range native chicken raisers will be increased thus help in attaining food security and alleviating poverty in rural communities.