DA eyes to strengthen the livestock industry in Region 10 through genetic improvement.

 

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Ruminants, Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM, led the conduct of Genetic Improvement Program (GIP) Workshop: Dove-tailing the Backyard/Smallholder Raisers of Small Ruminants, here, on June 6-7.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), the workshop is participated by key personnel of the DA-Region 10’s (DA-10) Livestock Program, DA-attached agencies and private stakeholders of the region’s livestock industry.

As part of the agency’s effort to enhance the quality of goat and sheep herds in the region, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan underscored that the activity is an avenue for the region’s livestock industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge, expertise, and best practices to optimize the genetic traits and reproductive performance of small ruminants.

“Knowing that there is a greater demand to improve our herd, whether large or small, I think this is the first step towards ensuring that we can have a sustained supply of improved genetic materials of our herd, especially for our small farmers,” he conveyed.

He also urged the participants to devise strategic plans for genetic improvement of the existing herd.

“I hope we don’t end up sitting here, but after this, maybe we can plan out what possible support we can organize so that we can make sure that there is an improvement in our genetic materials at the farmers’ field,” he averred.

For his part, Asec. Albarece substantiated the need for improved sheep and goat genetics to boost the region’s livestock industry.

“Improving the genetic qualities of sheep and goats is vital to increase productivity, sustainability, and profitability in the livestock industry,” he said.

In the workshop, the participants engaged in multilateral dialogue on key action areas such as Animal Genetic Improvement for Small Ruminants, Sustaining Breeding Programs, Clustering Backyard/Smallholder Raisers, Preventing Inbreeding, Buck Loans, Barangay Multiplier Farms, and the NorMin Genetic System.

The system necessitates the conduct of genetic testing to identify superior traits and potential genetic disorder within the herd. By incorporating these data into the breeding programs, the most desirable genetic traits can be optimized, ultimately leading to a stronger and more resilient herd.

This proactive approach reflects DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. ‘s priority agenda for improved agricultural production systems, particularly in the livestock sector.

Also present during the activity are DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, Ph.D, Planning and Monitoring Evaluation Division chief Lana May S. Racines, Research Center for Upland Development chief Catalino S. Soriano, Jr. and other DA-10 staff.# (RDME)