How viable are the country’s livestock biotechnologies?
In a bid to address this concern, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) is currently looking into the viability of livestock biotechnologies, particularly for water buffalo, cattle, goat, and swine.
The study is in connection with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC)-funded project titled, Ex Ante Economic Analysis of the PCC Livestock Biotechnologies for Water Buffalo, Cattle, Goat, and Swine.
The SERD-led project aims to determine the economic worth of the livestock biotechnologies on reproduction, animal health and nutrition, and product development under the Philippine setting.
Field activities such as survey, interviews, and focus group discussions, as conducted by the Council, aims to determine the current status and rate of adoption of biotechnologies for the four livestock commodities as mentioned.
The expected output of the study include knowledge, attitude, and perception on various biotechnologies that will be developed; current practices and management systems; costs and returns of raising these animals; and the issues and problems that could impede potential adoption. The output is crucial in determining the economic viability of the PCC’s livestock biotechnologies.
The project team visited major livestock areas in the country, particularly in the provinces of Pangasinan, Cagayan, Negros Occidental, and Bohol and will soon visit Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro.
The project commenced in January 2015 and is set to conclude in December 2015.