The IFEX 2019 was an abundant source of knowledge for the agricultural industries as well as the people who are into food. Investment forum on the opportunities in goat production was given by Dr. Edgar A. Orden, the Vice President of Agribusiness Affairs in Central Luzon State University.
There are 3.7 million goats all over the country according to the data in CLSU’s Small Ruminants Center. 98% of these are backyard raised, while the 2% are raised commercially and semi-commercially, which are higher in quality. Profits are increased by investing in goat technologies that improve the quality of the goat population by 98%.
Dr. Orden said, raising goats is very profitable because buying and raising it costs less than other farm animals like cows, anyone in the family can participate in taking care of them because of their size, and their meat, known as Chevon, is essential to Filipino festivals particularly in the Mindanao region where Halal meat is more in demand, and regions 1, 2 and 3.
Chevon has lower calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol compared to pork or beef. It is healthier and also generates a higher income than other livestock meat.
A synthetic breed called ‘Three-way cross’ was introduced by SRC which they managed to produce their center. The said goats are higher in quality because besides for their meat, it can 1-1.25L of milk per day and lactates for a period of 201 days. These goats are 50% Boer, 37.5% Anglo-Nubian, and 12.5% native.
Dr. Arden and SRC are open to farmers and farmers-to-be in giving assistance in the goat industry. Knowing the importance of considering the goat breed is essential that is why they are promoting the production of TWC goats and knowing the capability of the farmers to feed and take care of them.
With Additional Reports: Manila Bulletin
Image Source:
- https://pixabay.com/id/photos/kambing-hewan-1320303/
- https://www.gaiadiscovery.com/agriculture-industry/goat-raising-offers-income-opportunity-for-farmers.html
- https://jennysserendipity.com/2012/05/16/kambing-goat/
