To ensure that the various R&D projects to be funded by DA-BAR and to be implemented by DA-PCC will achieve their objectives, Dr. Marvin A. Villanueva, Scientist I, OIC of the Research and Development Division, emphasized the importance of active communication and clear directions during an inception meeting held at the DA-PCC National Headquarters.
Dr. Lilian P. Villamor discussed the project on Enhancement of Cattle and Goat Breeds Cryopreservation Protocols in Support of the Conservation and Management of Animal Genetic Resources. It aims to: (1) optimize cryopreservation protocols of commercial and native cattle and goats to be implemented in the National Livestock Cryobank; (2) secure conservation of animal genetic resources from diverse breeds of cattle and goat in the Philippines that have economic importance and are resilient to adverse environmental effects; and (3) have sources of cryopreserved semen from commercial and native breeds for future use and access by co-ops. This project aims to enhance the protocol for the breed-specific cryopreservation of bovine and caprine semen.
In addition, Dr. Villamor presented another project titled “Optimization of Swine breeds cryopreservation protocols in support of animal genetic resources conservation and management”. It aims to (1) optimize cryopreservation protocols of commercial and native pigs to be implemented in the national livestock cryobank, and (2) secure conservation of animal genetic resources from diverse breeds of pigs in the Philippines that have economic significance and resilience. The project is a breed-specific protocol for the cryopreservation of boar semen.
Ms. Mary Rose D. Uy-De Guia presented the project “Development of Probiotics with Moringa Extract as Feed Supplement for the Health and Production Performance of Water Buffaloes (𝘉𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴)”, which aims to (1) Isolate different lactic acid bacterial species that can be evaluated and used as probiotics; and (2) Develop probiotics (live microbial supplement) that can be tested on newly weaned calves. This technology facilitates the genetic enhancement and production of water buffalo. This project’s outcome will be used to create a commercially available probiotic product for farmers, animal scientists, veterinarians, and livestock stakeholders.
In addition, Dr. Phoebe Lyndia T. Llantada discussed the project “Field validation of the fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) using banana by-products (𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘮) and water hyacinth (𝘌𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘴) as alternative fodders for dairy buffaloes”, which aims to (1) develop fermented total mixed rations (FTMRs) for dairy buffaloes, (2) establish partnership or collaboration with DA-BAR, DA-PCC, cooperatives, and dairy farmers, and (3) develop cost and benefit analysis of producing and feeding of FTMR in ruminants. The study will develop protocols for feed technology through the use and recycling of alternative fodders in order to improve meat and milk production and increase farmer income. Additionally, this project will innovate RDE protocol and generate information/facts regarding the nutritional value, feeding, animal performance, and economic advantage of alternative fodder utilization.
Dr. Caro B. Salces, OIC Executive Director of DA-PCC, along with representatives from DA-BAR, Mr. Randy O. Valerio, owner of RO Valerio Farm, and other key units, attended the open forum that followed the presentation of the projects. Ms. Glacelle Alyne Malinao, a member of DA-BAR’s technical staff, challenged the researchers in this forum to complete the one-year research project assigned to them.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Salces thanked all the facilitators and representatives who attended the inception meeting. He also thanked the DA-PCC’s partner agencies, the DA-BAR, and Mr. Valerio for representing the farmers’ group.
