Ruminant-Production-in-the-Philippines

Ruminant Production in the Philippines

Introduction

  • Integrated into farming systems:

    • Ruminants are fed with grass in fields to control weed growth.

  • Provide diverse resources:

    • Meat, milk, and skin are key products.

  • Ownership:

    • Most livestock is owned by smallholders (3 to 10 heads).

  • Economic impact:

    • Provides jobs and income to various stakeholders including raisers, traders, meat handlers, logistics companies, and restaurants.

    • Contributes to meat processing sectors.

Advantages of Raising Ruminants

  • Integration with Crop Systems:

    • Easily combined with various crop-based farming practices.

  • Feeding Efficiency:

    • Ruminants can efficiently digest cellulosic feed materials, thriving on lower-quality forage like browse.

  • Cultural Relevance:

    • Beef is prominently featured in Filipino delicacies, enhancing demand.

Constraints in Ruminant Production

  • Breeder Stock Issues:

    • High cost and limited availability of quality breeder stocks.

  • High Mortality Rates:

    • Increased mortality rates observed at the pre-weaning stage.

  • Health Challenges:

    • Issues with endoparasitism and anthelmintic resistance.

  • Lack of Breeding Programs:

    • Absence of well-defined breeding strategies.

  • Socioeconomic Problems:

    • Predicaments related to land access, insufficient credit facilities, and poorly defined marketing systems.

Prospects and Opportunities

  • Increasing Demand for Beef:

    • Anticipated growth for beef consumption over time.

  • Rising Prices:

    • Both farm gate and market prices are increasing annually.

  • Culinary Plethora:

    • Beef and chevon are versatile, suitable for numerous Filipino dishes.

  • Milk Demand:

    • Strong demand contributes to economic viability.

  • Steady Income Source:

    • Ruminant farming presents a reliable source of income for rural businesses.

  • Technological Advancements:

    • Access to technology for improving ruminant production and meat/milk/skin processing.

Terms Used in Cattle

  • Cattle:

    • General term for Bos taurus and Bos indicus species.

  • Bull:

    • Mature male used for breeding.

  • Cow:

    • Mature female, also used for breeding.

  • Heifer:

    • Mature female that has not yet given birth.

  • Calf:

    • Young cattle.

  • Calving:

    • The process of giving birth.

  • Beef:

    • Meat derived from cattle.

Terms Used in Goat

  • Goat:

    • General term for Capra hircus species.

  • Buck:

    • Mature male for breeding.

  • Doe:

    • Mature female for breeding.

  • Kid:

    • Young goat.

  • Kidding:

    • The act of giving birth in goats.

  • Chevon:

    • Meat derived from goat.

Terms Used in Sheep

  • Sheep:

    • General term for Ovis aries species.

  • Ram:

    • Mature male for breeding.

  • Ewe:

    • Mature female for breeding.

  • Lamb:

    • Young sheep.

  • Lambing:

    • The act of giving birth in sheep.

  • Mutton:

    • Meat derived from sheep.

External Anatomy of a Dairy Doe

  • Major Anatomical Parts:

    • Tailhead, Tail, Rump, Hock, Pinbone, Back, Hipbone, Ribs, Chine, Barrel, Flank, Shoulder, Chest, Forearm, Elbow, Knee, Fetlock, Shank, Pasterns, Hooves, Udder, Teats.