Utilization of indigenous swamp buffaloes under a changing agricultural setting
2010
Cruz, L.C., Philippine Carabao Center - Dept. of Agriculture, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (Philippines)
For centuries, the carabao (swamp buffalo) has played a major role in the production of major agricultural crops, such as rice, corn, sugarcane and coconut. However, the intensification of crop farming coupled with the increased utilization of small farm machineries diminished the carabao's role as source of draft in small farms. However the value of the carabao as source of livelihood and milk to farmers remains high in small farm settings. Thus, the direction of carabao development is shifted towards improving meat and milk production instead of draft. Genetic improvement in carabaos is pursued thru cross breeding with riverine buffalo breeds. The initial apprehensions of producing animals with abnormalities from cross breeding swamp and riverine breeds have been proven otherwise. Success in improving the meat and milk production of the carabao have been achieved thru crossbreeding. However, the transformation of the carabao from a draft animal to a supplier of meat and milk would only find meaning if it uplifts small farmers from being subsistence farm workers to entrepreneurs
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