At the 5th National Goat and Sheep Congress and Trade Fair held recently, partner researchers of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) shared the outputs of their research and development (R&D) works.
Dr. Ma. Excelsis M. Orden of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) presented the importance of maintaining a farm recording system and how it can help in decision making and management of a goat enterprise. In response, participants clamored for a standard and unified recording system from government agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA), PCAARRD, and other institutions.
To present a viable solution to the scarcity of feed resources during the lean months of the year, Dr. Edgar A. Orden, also of CLSU, discussed the potential of pelletized Total Mixed Ration (TMR). By making TMR and pelletizing it, the availability and storability of excess feed during the wet season is now possible. Dr. Orden also showed the TMR pellet mill, which can be fabricated and commercialized. Before the end of the session, Dr. Orden was swamped with interested investors.
The artificial insemination (AI) technology hopes to bring good genetics to the countryside without the trouble of maintaining a purebred buck. The tandem of Isabela State University’s Dr. Jonathan N. Nayga and Ms. Aubrey Joy Balbin, were flooded with inquiries before, during, and after their presentation of the technology. Because of the simplicity and viability of the enterprise presented, several individuals expressed interest in either becoming a semen processor or an AI service provider.
Dr. Jovita M. Datuin of DA Region 1 discussed how they conducted the Rural Enterprise Development Project in Regions 1, 2, 3, and 8. Part of her presentation was the enterprises ventured into by their cooperators, foremost of which is the community-based marketing of slaughter goats.
Finally, the presentation of Dr. Carlito B. Sanchez of the University of Southern Mindanao created awareness among participants, especially the Muslim participants and attendees from Mindanao about the R&D initiative on developing protocols for halal goat production and quality assurance. According to him, quality assurance protocols have been tested on halal goats produced by Muslim farmers. Presence of haram contaminants was noted, hence, the present system of production can be improved to be authentically halal.
Organized by the Federation of Goat and Sheep Producers Association of the Philippines, Inc., the congress was held at the Stotsenberg Hotel in Clark Air Base in Angeles City and was participated in by 700 individuals.