January 17, 2024

Caraga, Philippines boosts production of unique black native chicken

In a collaborative effort between the Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga and Caraga State University (CSU), the region is championing the production and propagation of the distinctive "Patani", a native black chicken breed, Philippine Information Agency reported.

The breakthrough in poultry farming occurred in July 2019 when CSU's research team, led by Dr Tomas Austral Jr, successfully bred the black native chicken through a meticulous selection process involving four Philippine native chicken breeds - Darag, Camarines, Boholano, and Zampen. The Organic Native Chicken Project, funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), facilitated this experimental success.

Recognising the importance of preservation, the project sought assistance from DA - Trento Research and Experiment Station to prevent the potential extinction of Patani. Initially establishing 124 pure and quality breeder stocks, the collaboration aims to position Caraga as a prominent producer of this unique native chicken breed.

Dr Ecolastico Cagatin, station chief of DA - Trento Research and Experiment Station, emphasised the breeding of a true-to-type population of black native chicken resilient to climate change conditions, excelling in growth, taste preference, and disease tolerance.

Poultry raiser Eugene Deluta attests to Patani's robust immune system, citing its survival during a bird flu attack on his farm. Compared to other native breeds, Patani's prolific nature is evident, producing an average of 80 – 110 eggs annually, showcasing superior performance in egg weight, hatchability, and fertility.

Dr Austral underscores Patani's market value, attributing it to the meat quality and high antioxidant levels reflected in its pigmentation. Scientific studies support the numerous health benefits of native black chicken, making it a sought-after commodity in the country.

DOST-PCAARRD reports a significant demand for native chicken in the Philippines, with an 80.7 million inventory in 2020, constituting 45% of the country's total chicken inventory. The project's goal is commercialisation, aiming to increase Patani production and contribute to the distribution of native chickens nationwide.

-       Philippine Information Agency