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| PH Goats getting "Milked" |
Goats which are classified under small ruminants will get additional technical support from the Isabela State University (ISU).
Artificial Insemination (AI) will be the method employed but will be enhanced via the research and development (R&D) to be conducted by ISU.
This effort will be endowed with funding by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the ISU’s Cagayan Valley Small Ruminants Research Center (CVSRRC) will utilize advanced biotechnology to boost local goat breeding.
The program will have a funding of Php64 million via a grant from the PCAARRD that will draw up the protocols for embryo transfer of prolific and resilient goat breeds in ISU.
This will build upon the foundations on goat breeding earlier established by the research center that had earlier funding from the PCAARRD.
Embryo transfers are already being practiced in other countries such as Australia, US and New Zealand and that goat production can be maximized by harvesting the goat embryos and implanting them in surrogate goat mothers.
The method is faster since embryos can be easily transferred on selected does. Purchasing laboratory equipment is currently being undertaken and the set up of the laborotary will quickly follow.
In another effort, a New Zealand based scientist/embryologist is being enticed with the DOST’s Balik Scientist Program so as to further facilitate the embryo transfer R&D project.
It is not only in goat meat production but also in goat milk production where the program will have a significant effect.
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