TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is studying an unusually large carabao in Northern Samar for its potential as breeding stock as the province seeks to improve livestock production and farmers’ incomes.
DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Benjamin Albarece led a technical mission to San Roque on Sept. 15 to inspect the animal and assess its possible genetic value for the province’s carabao industry.
The inspection was conducted with the Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Offices headed by Dr. Jose Luis Acompañado, with San Roque Mayor Mary Ann Avalon accompanying the DA team.
Albarece proposed studying the possibility of crossbreeding the large carabao with existing water buffaloes in Northern Samar to develop animals with desirable traits that could eventually improve milk and meat production.
The DA also plans to identify possible conservation sites and work with local farmers to assess their livestock and existing animal-raising practices.
The term “giant carabao” in this case refers to an exceptionally large domestic water buffalo, not a separate wild species. The Philippine carabao is a swamp-type water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) traditionally raised by Filipino farmers for farm work, meat and other agricultural purposes.
Government livestock programs have promoted improved and crossbred buffaloes to increase productivity, including through the use of better genetics and artificial insemination.
Albarece said the DA’s interest in the Northern Samar animal is primarily focused on determining whether its physical characteristics could have value for breeding and livestock improvement.
He also encouraged the development of private livestock breeders who could complement government breeding programs and help increase livestock populations and productivity.
Albarece cited the Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP), which provides farmers access to improved livestock genetics, artificial insemination services, training and technical assistance.
The program seeks to make improved genetics more accessible to small farmers through cooperation among government agencies, farmers, private breeders and academic institutions.
The DA team also visited Palapag to examine existing cattle-raising activities and areas with potential for livestock development.
A consultation involving Palapag Mayor Fawa Batula, Pambujan Mayor Owen Siervo, Laoang Municipal Administrator Jesus Acebuche, artificial insemination technicians and local farmers tackled the condition of cattle and carabao production in the area, as well as challenges faced by livestock raisers.
The initiative forms part of Northern Samar’s efforts to strengthen its livestock sector, preserve potentially valuable animal genetic resources and expand livelihood opportunities for farmers.
Gov. Harris Christopher Ongchuan has supported the provincial government’s coordination with the DA and other partners to develop the livestock sector and strengthen agricultural food security.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
