Philippine's Agriculture Sector Continues to Grow

The DA said the combined positive performance of the three subsectors served as a cushion, as the fishery subsector registered negative growth due to dwindling fish population caused by overfishing, illegal fishing practices, and successive typhoons during the second semester of 2011.

Total farm production was valued at P1.4 trillion at current prices, 11.5 per cent more than in 2010, it said.

The crops subsector — which contributed one-half or 49.6 per cent to total agricultural output — registered a 4.82 per cent increase, led by palay (paddy rice) and corn.

Likewise, palay harvest totaled 16.68 million metric tons (MMT), 5.8 per cent more than in 2010 (15.77 MMT), while corn production amounted to 6.97 MMT, 9.3 per cent more than in 2010 (6.38 MMT).

Sugarcane production also grew significantly to 28.38 MMT, 58.3 per cent more than in 2010 (17.93 MMT). Tobacco, pineapple and rubber also posted positive gains last year.

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Mindanao researchers discover more effective ways to raise cattle

KABACAN, COTABATO – A group of researchers from the Philippine Carabao Center at the University of South Mindanao (PCC-USM) have revealed the effectiveness of improved feeding strategies and the use of a “cow calendar” in reproductive capacity of cows.

The research was initiated after reports of infertility and abortion of cows in breeding facilities. Some of the reasons for infertility include genetics, environment, and health. Nutrition is a major contributor to the breeding capacity of cows.

A cow calendar measures the length of time between breeding and lactation of cows. The calendar should also indicate the feeding process and the type of food given to the cows. More>>

Recent Farm Visit - September 2011

Posting some pictures taken during our farm visit last September 2011

Armando - frontal view

Armando at 3 years old

At this stage 2 weeks more and it's harvest time

The lake beside the farm which never run out of water even during summer

My first kuliglig ride. it was fun

A stop over at the creek for a fresh swim

Philippines: Smallholder Livestock Development Project

This article is all about the current status of a livestock development project in the Philippines but somehow didn't materialize for a lot of reasons. The report also indicated on what has been done and what has been achieved based on the objectives.
I still believe that this effort can still be push for a possible success. I just don't know how. Read on.

Animal Identification System and History

Given the opportunity and time this is a very good thing to do on a farm system as it helps farm owners identify and track animals and livestock easily.

With the current situation such as backyard cattle raising I believe this is not appropriate to do at this time as it involves investment on the actual tool in implementing. At the moment this is only applicable for large scale cattle raising.

LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

Animal ID system, and from farm to fork products world-wide tracking is a system which must be implemented. 

Today, animal identification and tracking system for animal health and food security are very important tools in the management. In many countries, domestic animals and animal products to ensure follow the implementation of these legal procedures is required.

Traceability system for each different type of animals or a homogeneous group of animals in their movements by making identification of the tracks, to detect precursors and that the correct information to be recorded with the appropriate receiver is connected. 

Disease prevention and control of animal products, food security and export certificates and principles related to the impact of activities to increase the World Animal Health Organization member countries and the state of animal identification and traceability system implemented in that direction is helping. Traceability for the first time in 1998 at Argentina-Buenos Aires the international "From the farm to the fork of the Permanent Animal Identification and Traceability Systems" meeting has been presented by OIE

Why national or regional animal traceability systems? 

First, manufacturers and facilities to manage more effectively in animals are helping, cattle/sheep animals or animal health programs, or applications of genetic improvement programs provide. 

In response to outbreaks or illness in the context of prevention, traceability in the region to countries that emerged to prevent the spread of disease, monitoring, early detection of outbreaks and notification, faster response, animal movement control and documentation or help on how to partition.

OIE and International Food Standards set by the Commission according to the standards and animal production throughout the food chain-from farm to fork-tracked to ensure origin of live animals and animal identification and tracking system with traces of animal products between has an important place. 

Various factors, national or regional animal identification and traceability system may affect the structure. In this sense, factors as the country's animal and public health status, changing the population of animals (sex and reproduction, number and geographical distribution, etc.), production type of animal activity areas, appropriate technology and costs, animals and animal products trade organization shape up must take into account. The system developed, the cultural perspective as well as cost / benefit analysis and other economic, geographical and environmental conditions also must not be neglected. 

Production and gene transfer in animal cloning with animals (Transgenic) animals, such as new technologies being created in the future regulations may require additional animal tracking. Authorities in certain situations, and this in itself is an animal all animals were obtained from the newly developed methods to track every product will have. New technologies will also offer new solutions. For example, DNA identification in the retail level for the creation of animal identification and monitoring system would allow. However, advanced technology or with a method is simple on paper, the "Land of the animals living in the Health Code" is defined as the universal principles and traces can be applied in all cases.

Food chain to be assessed even Traceability system, control of diseases in animals and is a tool for food safety and animal as our starting point for a product from the farm track provides. Traceability systems, animal health, food safety and food origin, extending the organoleptic (sensory) creates a link between properties. 

And other domestic animals used to determine the identity of the ear tag is made of plastic material. 

The animal identification numbers that belong to seal the ear usually does. This identification number (ID) only to be determined by national organizations with specific, usually in the form of Property Identification Code will be found. National Live Animal Identification System (NLIS) regulations in all the areas of bovine animals before being removed from the ear marked with the seal or a rumen bolus and requires this action to be notified of NLIS'ye. Besides, if animals in the herd or farm is labeled, in the wider region does not have identification numbers only. Seal of the ear tags also NLIS for cattle and sheep running conditions. This seals and monitoring rumen and are used for identification bolus identity and supplied by the vendor with the transport document is complete. 

Livestock identification system with the ear tag yet to be discovered in 1913, despite tuberculosis test in the UK BSE epidemic is visible with the emergence of an increase was recorded. Today, in many different ways, designed to provide ear tagsl, to prevent theft and to get to the epidemic under control is widely used all over the world.

In 1953, the first two parts, the plastic ear seal itself invented by the patent has been received. Options and visibility of the color of plastic with easy-to-use features metal extension application in the process of this seal also reduces the risk of infected blood through. 

Some insect control bovine animals to ensure that seals the ear contains chemical substances. 

How should Ear Tag be Applied?  In implementing a successful ear tag of the principles are the same for cattle and milk cows. To correctly apply the ear tag of the animals should be avoided piercingg ear again. 

Best time of using for ear tag begins to show the features of beef and milk is taken from the period. 

Ear Tag to the use of time to the maximum level of use of the ear tag you should read the user manual carefully. After a time, ear tags can not be reused. 

Ear tag or stud cattle breeding period to ear a time before being sealed need. If the cattle is tagged, do not remove the ear tag or not installing a second ear tag. 

You must use the correct applicator. If an incorrect applicator is used, the ear tag into the ear remains in danger of seal can be crushed. 

Application for selecting animals to be the most peaceful moment and must be clean applicator.

Source

Cattle Identification Systems

Livestock identification is a necessity for any farmer with more than just a family cow. There are many reasons you need to track your cattle, goats, chickens, or whatever your livestock is. Maintaining a numbering system can help you prevent the spread of diseases and genetic deformations, keep track of the age of your herd, and and monitor production. Many new farmers don't think about this soon enough when building their herd. It doesn't become an issue until it is nearly too late.

If you're a new farmer beginning to build up your livestock, or even an old hand who is looking for some fresh ideas, here are some numbering system ideas. More.

An Update on Paiwi or Paalaga System

For the last 8 years as practiced we are on a paiwi or a paalaga system for backyard cattle raising. As we understand the advantages we think in having this kind of setup is that we don’t extend that much effort in taking care of the cattle at the same time we’re helping small time farmers to have the opportunity of having their own cattle and the option of an additional income for them since the farmer’s share can always be convertible into cash with an agreement with the cattle owner.




But recently we saw a disadvantage in this kind of method. We encountered a situation in which the care taker sold the cow without the owner’s consent and knowing. The owner have only known about what had happened after 3 days in which the caretaker disappeared with the cash in hand and bound never to return back.

In this kind of scenario this is what has been learned.
1. Get to know the person in which the owner will in-trust the cow
2. Make sure that the cattle is marked so that it can’t be sold right away since it bears the mark of the owner and for identification purposes as well.
3. The cattle owner or in-trusted person of the owner should visit the cow on regular basis.
4. Another option would be to implement latest technology for cattle identification. This is a good option but requires investment for implementation

The Philippines Beef Cattle Farming Sector: A Briefing for Canadian Livestock Genetics Suppliers

This is a very good article on the current status of Beef Cattle Industry in the Philippines.

1. Introduction
This briefing has been prepared by Stanton, Emms & Sia for Canadian exporters of livestock genetics, the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines and the Southeast Asia Regional Agri-Food Trade Commissioner, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The objectives of this briefing are to provide exporters and the Canadian government with:

* a snap shot of conditions in the Philippines market for beef;

* an update on the government policies covering the beef cattle farming industry and its future development;

* a review of the state of the beef cattle farming industry and its operations;

* A SWOT analysis on the beef cattle farming industry;

* an assessment of the future strategic direction of the beef cattle farming sector; and,

* insight into potential opportunities for Canadian exporters of breeding animals and genetic materials in the Philippines in future.

The research supporting this briefing was performed in February and March 2010.

2. The beef market in the Philippines, a snap shot

The beef market is the smallest of the mainstream meat markets in the Philippines. Beef is not a staple food. While it is extremely popular, beef is more a luxury item because of its high retail price, when compared to pork and chicken.

Beef supply currently amounts to about 240,000 tonnes per annum. Additionally, around 140,000 tonnes of carabeef is produced from buffalo, known as Carabao in the Philippines.

According to the government, imports comprise around 20% of beef supply and are needed mainly to deal with shortages in supply of manufacturing beef and bovine offal for use by the Philippines processed meat industry.

Beef is a secondary meat within Philippines agriculture. The supply of pork is much larger at around 1.8 million tonnes in 2009. More

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

 I've received this article on one of the mailing list and became interested with it as another supplement for backyard cattle raising.

According to Wikipedia - Diatomaceous Earth (pronounced /ˌdaɪ.ətəˌmeɪʃəs ˈɜrθ/) also known as diatomite orkieselgur, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 1 micron to more than 1 millimeter, but typically 10 to 200 microns.^[1] This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of oven dried diatomaceous earth is 80 to 90% silica, with 2 to 4% alumina(attributed mostly to clay minerals) and 0.5 to 2% iron oxide.^[1]

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorbentfor liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component ofdynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator. Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Farmers hang burlap bags full of diatomic earth for the cattle to rub against and keep themselves dusted, which eliminates flies and other pests that land on them.

Food grade diatomic earth is a healthy non-toxic alternative to chemical contamination of stored grain. When the grain is to be used, food grade diatomic earth can be easily removed, but need not be. Since it is food grade, makes no difference in taste or cooking quality, and adds 15 trace minerals. Suggested grain storage use: 1 cup of DE will protect 50 lbs. of grain -- 5 cups of food grade diatomic earth will protect 300 lbs. of grain -- 7 lbs. of DE will protect 1500 lbs. of grain or seeds. One source advises only 1 to 2 lbs. of DE per ton of grain. 
Dust barns, coops, after mucking and throw on top of manure/compost piles.

Feed it daily to all dogs, cats, fowl, and livestock, so it comes out in the manure of each animal as well and prevents flies from growing in the manures.

Natural food grade diatomaceous earth contains 15 trace minerals: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc iron, phosphorous, selenium, etc. People note shinier coats, better overall health, better production, etc. in their animals who are fed food grade diatomaceous earth regularly.
A small amount of food grade DE applied to livestock waterers keeps algae from growing on hot summer days.
Daily recommended food grade diatomaceous earth feeding rates:

Dosage for Animals:

Kittens - 1/2 teaspoon
Cats - 1 teaspoon
Puppies - 1/2 to 1 tsp.
Dogs under 35 lbs. - 1 teaspoon
Dogs over 35 lbs. - 1 tablespoon
Dogs over 100 lbs. - 2 tablespoons
Cattle, Dairy Cows, & Hogs - 2% of dry feed ration
Chickens - 5% in feed
Goats & Sheep - 2% in grain
Horses - 1/2 to 1 cup in daily ration

This is also applicable for Humans at 1 heaping tablespoon daily

Right now it's available in Davao City - Scotts Enterprises. 

I am interested in trying this out and looking for a supplier in Luzon Area.

Korea Grants DA $3-M Livestock Project

The Korean government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will provide a $3-million grant to the Department of Agriculture through the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) to implement a three-year project aimed at further increasing the production and propagation of upgraded carabaos.


In a report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, PCC director Libertado Cruz said the project — called “Enhancing livestock sector performance in the Philippines” — aims to establish an institutionalized electronic data capture system that will hasten genetic data evaluation and analysis, and create a unified web-based genetic information system. More . . .

Cattle Naming Convention

Ever since we started investing into backyard cattle raising we're into Paalaga or Paiwi system in which it allows us to help small time farmers to have the opportunity to own a cow by taking care of other people's cow.
As we all know Paalaga or Paiwi system is all about sharing the siblings. Say if a farmer takes care of your cow the first sibling would be the farmer's share then the next one will be the owner's and so on and so forth.
Now the issue that I encountered lately as a cow owner is that I lose track of whose share would it be and the naming convention of the cow on whose taking care of it. So what I did is create a spreadsheet naming the cow to the farmer or previous owner. Say for example the name of the care taker is Manuel Sales. So the name of the cow will be Manuela and the siblings of Manuela will be named as Manuela 1, Manuela 2 etc. As of now this method seems working and it's easier to track the cattle.

Optimism Expressed For Philippines' Livestock Sector

PHILIPPINES - The Department for Agriculture (DA) sees bright prospects for the country's livestock industries.

With continuing support from the government for demand-driven programmes, the DA expects bright prospects for the livestock industry this year and beyond owing to its vast export potentials, an increasing demand in the local market for its products, and the entry of new players to further invigorate the domestic industry. More . . .

Livestock, Aquaculture Output Rise Despite Drought

PHILIPPINES - The agriculture sector shrank by 2.8 per cent in the first quarter as a result of the prolonged drought although the livestock sector reports modest gains for the first quarter of the year.

The livestock and poultry sub-sectors managed to post modest gains in the first quarter of the year despite the onslaught of El Niño on key food-producing areas in the country, reports Philippine Star. More . . .

Catigbian: Bohol’s Livestock Capital

Catigbian is now hailed as Bohol’s Livestock Capital. It is home to the Catigbian Livestock Auction Center - Bohol’s first and only modern auction center which is also reputed to be the biggest in Central Visayas.

Inaugurated last October 16, 2006, the P9M CLAC is the only covered animal trading facility in the whole Philippine archipelago which can accommodate 400 carabaos and cows, as many pigs, goats and poultry including fighting cocks for trading. More

I wish there is something like this in Nueva Ecija or Bulacan area. 

Image source from here

Linn Post & Pipe - Rawhide Portable Corral System

Lately I've been hunting for some sort of a corral system for backyard cattle raising and this design came on top of the list. A very nice portable system in which it can be deployed by a single person. I know this is not applicable on what I am trying to implement but the design of this portable corral system is amazing.

Veterinarian helped control threat of cattle plague

Dr. Walter Plowright, the British veterinarian who developed an inexpensive vaccine that contributed to global efforts to wipe out a disease responsible for millions of cattle deaths, died Feb. 19. He was 86.

In 1999, Dr. Plowright became the first veterinarian named as a World Food Prize Laureate, an honor given because of the impact of his rinderpest vaccine. The prize is awarded to individuals for outstanding achievements that improve the quality, quantity, or availability of food.

Officials with the Food and Agri-culture Organization of the United Nations, or FAO, credit Dr. Plowright with greatly helping to eradicate rinderpest by developing the vaccine during his time in Kenya in the 1950s. The organization nominated him for the World Food Prize. More

Image source from here.

More on cattle grass feeding

Grass feeding is a traditional method of feeding cattle in the Philippines. For small time farmers on a backyard cattle raising who doesn't have the luxury of having a large space the cattle is tied to a rope and being pastured from one particular space to another. This can also avoid the cattle from destroying the crops of other farmers in the vicinity. Study shows that grass fed cattle or beef tastes better and has more nutrition. More

Image source from here

Meet the Super Cow

They call it the Belgian Blue . . .


Video courtesy of YouTube and National Geographic Channel

Paiwi System against having your own corral

For the last 5 years we've been doing the so called paiwi or paalaga system for backyard cattle raising. The advantage in this kind of system is that you don't exert much effort when it comes to attending the day to day needs of the cattle. The downside is the earnings or profit side of things in which by default 50% goes directly to the person responsible for the cattle.

Lately I was able to get in touch with another backyard cattle raiser in Bulacan area in which he is having his own corral instead of entrusting the cattle or do a paiwi or paalaga system. According to him he has more control over his cattle since he can check them out once in a while specially with the food intake and health of the livestock. He has a better chance of having a good quality cattle and of course the market value comes with it.

So I've been thinking it over. I guess this is the way to go . . . The first thing that comes into mind would  be the location and design of the corral.

Image Source from here

Livestock auction market Urdaneta Pangasinan

In Northern Luzon the most popular livestock auction market is in Anonas, Urdaneta, Pangasinan. This would be the ultimate place in locating different breeds of livestock for backyard cattle raising or cattle fattening. When visiting this place be sure to bring along with you an 'expert' in buying livestock by just looking at it. That's how the trade is being engage. If I am not mistaken the schedule of livestock auction is every Mondays and Fridays. You can also refer to this directory list to locate a local cattle breeder in your area.

The City, is strategically located in the central eastern part of Pangasinan, which is transversed by the Manila North Road, virtually bisecting the locality into the west and east side. It is bounded in the north by the Municipality of Binalonan, south by the Municipality of Villasis, east by the Municipality of Asingan and west by the Municipality of Sta Barbara. With this location of Urdaneta, it makes it a convenient bagsakan market. It is the gateway to Baguio City and Northern Luzon provinces, and to central and western Pangasinan.

It is believed that the bagsakan center in Urdaneta City was an offshoot of the city’s cattle market during the World War II. Urdaneta, then a town, had no definite area for selling cattles and business was done at the plaza and near the municipal hall. People from Luzon provinces would go to the city to buy cattles and “bagoong” (fish sauce from Lingayen town) to bring to their provinces. Soon the cattle traders from the
Pangasinan municipalities and nearby provinces thought of bringing with them their farm harvests, aside from their cattles, and sold them in the market. By word of mouth, news spread that vegetables and fruits were sold in Urdaneta, and soon, not only cattle traders were buying and selling the fam produce but wholesalers as well. As of today, a large cattle market is situated in Barangay Anonas of this city, and is known to be
Northern Luzon’s biggest cattle market. However, the bagsakan market remains in the city proper near the plaza. Map image courtesy of wikipedia.