Bacolod City – The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental (PGNO), through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), distributed 903 heads of farm animals worth P408,800 as part of its Swine Industry Recovery Initiatives, Animal Genetic Improvement, and Livelihood Program.
This included 37 swines—comprising 1 boar, 19 castrated males, and 17 female weaners; 56 ducks—6 Peking duck growers and 50 Muscovy growers; 10 rams; and 800 two-week-old chicks.
The animals were produced from the provincial government-run farms – the Negros First Ranch in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia, and the Provincial Livestock Breeding Center and Dairy Farm located in Brgy. La Granja, La Carlota City.
The program aims to boost animal productivity and strengthen food security across the province, especially in the swine industry, which was heavily impacted by African Swine Fever (ASF).
With the animal turn-over, PVO seeks to help livestock raisers recover, enhance animal genetics, and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers throughout Negros Occidental.
“The PGNO remains committed to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring a stable supply of safe, quality food for Negrenses through responsive and inclusive programs,” the PVO stated in a released statement.
Meanwhile, Dr. Placeda Lemana, Provincial Veterinarian, pushed for using locally sourced raw materials in animal feed production, aiming to provide relief to farmers struggling with persistently high feed costs.
She emphasized that rising feed prices have significantly squeezed profit margins, with no immediate sign of cost stabilization.
“As feed costs keep increasing instead of decreasing, our local raisers find it more challenging to sustain viable operations,” Lemana explained.
In response, the PVO is set to organize a large-scale training seminar to teach farmers how to formulate their own animal feeds using available raw materials from within the province.
The program will cover proper mixing techniques, nutritional needs for different livestock, and quality control measures to ensure safe and effective feeds, she added. (Richard T. Caballero Jr. via tvds)