SAN AGUSTIN, Pili, Camarines Sur—Over 60 employees and animal farm caretakers of the Department of Agriculture (DA-Bicol), and walk-in clients from different Bicol provinces participated in the Training on Poultry, Swine, Small Ruminant Production and Pasture Development on February 11-13, 2020 at the Training Hall of DA here.
According to OIC-Chief of the Field Operations Division Dr. Mary Grace DP Rodriguez, this training will equip the participants especially those assigned in animal farms of the DA with the necessary skills in administering proper care, management and maintenance of the farms. This is also DA’s response to the clamor of the public to have trainings on livestock and poultry production as additional source of income.
Jayvee Bathan of Panganiban, Camarines Norte said that the training has updated his knowledge and basic skills in raising goat, sheep, and free-range chicken. Bathan is a management trainee of JSMS Organic Farm.
DA-Bicol Agriculturist and resource person Marianito A. Tesorero disclosed that there is a required amount of feeds for swine depending on the brand of feeds.
Catanduanes Hilly Upland Development Station (CHUDS) Agricultural Technician Christian Ollet assigned in the poultry, small ruminants and native pig farm shared that the training will enhance his skill in carrying out his responsibility in the station.
Ollet added that “Isla kasi ang Catanduanes kaya, mahirap makakuha ng mga kagamitan na kailangan sa pag-aalaga ng mga hayop, kaya, sa tulong ng training na ito, may karagdagang-kaalaman akong natutunan lalo na sa paggagamot ng mga may sakit na hayop. Malaking factor kasi ang klima at panahon sa Catanduanes sa estado ng kalusagan ng mga hayop, lalo na’t lagi itong dinadaan ng bagyo.”
One of the topics discussed was economics and record keeping.
Another resource person and Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) of Masbate Wilfredo Nelmida said that farmers do not keep records of their production expenses and income so they do not know if they are making or losing money. This aspect is important in the operations of small-scale farmers because it would make their farming sustainable.
Other topics discussed include Poultry Industry Situationer, Native Chicken Production (breeds and breeding, housing, incubation and brooding management, feeding management, concoction preparation, and herbal program), Health Management, Duck Production Guide, breeds and breeding, reproduction, feeds and feeding, selection and culling, nutrition and feeding, Herd Management, goat raising and identification of forages. A hands-on Pasture Development workshop was also conducted on the last day. Dr. Fermin C. Rabusa, Jr. was also one of the speakers. (jaysonmgonzales with photos by Emil Pasumbal)