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| Three types of Itik Pinas (IP) (left to right) IP-Itim, IP-Kayumanggi, and IP-Khaki (Photo by the Livestock Research Division (LRD), DOST-PCAARRD) |
It used to be that there was itik and pato. The difference lies in the color. Those from Pasig, Taguig and Pateros know how it is to raise ducks. In fact, that was the reason that they did not leave their homesteads even though it was perennially flooded. The main industry was boat-building and duck raising.
It has now arrived as a sunset industry in these areas because the natural habitat of the ducks have been encroached upon by residential, commercial and even industrial establishments. The areas of duck raising has decreased significantly and has resulted in lesser duck yields.
In cognizance of this, the Department of Science and Technology has come up with a solution not only arresting the decline but to boost the duck industry.
A new breed of duck is poised to improve the Philippine duck industry anchored on the support of the private sector.
Launched during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), Itik Pinas (IP), a genetically superior breeder duck, improves the egg-laying performance of the Philippine Mallard Duck from 55 to 70% per year with an egg weight of 65 grams, which is suited for balut processing.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) is optimistic that with IP, the Philippine duck industry can be improved, especially with strengthened linkages with the private sector.
A Duck commodity research and development (R&D) review and stakeholders consultation meeting was thus held recently at the office of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) for this purpose.
Attended by technology developers, commercial raisers, farm owners, a faculty from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), and a private animal nutritionist expert, the review and consultation meeting aimed to assess present endeavors and identify future initiatives on Itik Pinas.
Through the meeting, DOST-PCAARRD has given the private sector an opportunity to comment on the project and provide suggestions on marketing and packaging of the product.
“The government will not only regulate the duck industry but also position itself to develop enabling technologies, strategies, and policies,” said Dr. Synan S. Baguio, officer-in-charge of the Livestock Research Division (LRD), DOST-PCAARRD.
“We will also seek the guidance of the private sector in establishing specialized laboratories like the Swine Genetic Analytical Service Laboratory,” Dr. Baguio added.
Developed under the project, Development of Sustainable Breeder Philippine Mallard Duck Production System, IP, as an innovative technology in duck raising, aims to address the problem of the lack of quality breeders and continuous increase in production cost.
IP consists of three types: IP-Itim, IP-Khaki, and IP-Kayumanggi.
IP-Itim lays larger eggs at more than 65 g each. It has black plumage and white feather markings in the neck and orange to brown shank.
IP-Khaki produces more eggs as it shows the highest number of eggs within a 40-week laying period. The male has a brown plumage and darker brown pattern in the head, while the female has plain brown plumage.
Lastly, IP-Kayumanggi lays more, bigger eggs. It has plain plumage and small body at 1.2 kg.
Source: DOST - PCAARRD
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