October 30, 2012

 

 

In order to improve cattle-raising in the country, the Philippine's Department of Agriculture (DA) launched its latest project which seeks to improve the utilisation of technology on cattle-raising.

 

The project, dubbed as Mindanao Cattle Development Research and Experimental Project (MCDREP), aims to improve the data capture system, genetic data analysis, and evaluation system and unified web-based genetic information on cattle production.

 

This was the message of DA Secretary Proceso Alcala, read by DA Assistant Secretary Davinio Catbagan, during the opening of the 14th Davao Trade Expo (DATE) on Thursday (Oct.25) at the SMX Convention Centre in Davao City. Through the MCDREP, the insemination procedure to cross-breed Philippine cattle with that of US breed is now underway.

 

"The US breed of a cattle is short-legged but with a big body with tender meat, and produces a high volume of milk," Alcala said, adding that this variety of cattle can be raised even in backyard.

 

The US breed also consumes feeds about 35% much lesser compared to the Philippine cattle. However, in a span of only 15 months, the miniature breed can already weigh around 600 pounds.

 

The DA is also eyeing at improving the animal recording system and embryo banking, a procedure to preserve the sperm of a male cattle. The University of the Philippines in Mindanao (UPMin) and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCII) are two institutions that are closely working with Bureau of Animal industry (BAI) and DA 11 on this project.

 

"More importantly, we can improve the competency of technical personnel in animal breeding and genomics, biotechnology and other fields," Alcala said.

 

The secretary said MCDREP is only one programme that comprises the department's development and modernisation plan, which is "anchored on sustainable farming practices, good governance, and macro-economic stability.

 

The official said DA is doing this initiative to help farmers and fishermen of Mindanao to produce commodities, which can compete not only in the domestic market but also in the global scale.

 

Exporting, he said, is a way to freeing local farmers from being subsistent food producers and small players of agriculture through earning big.