Livestock Archives - Sustainable Agriculture

Jul72024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Angora Goat Breed Profile and Characteristics

Livestock

The Angora goat, also known as the Tibetan goat, is a goat breed native to Kashmir and Tibet. It was later introduced to Turkey and Asia Minor. The Angora goat is a small goat (35 to 50 kilograms), very resistant, and well-adapted to arid regions. The coat is white with long, silky, and shiny strands. Hair grows at about 2.5 centimeters per month and is used to make mohair wool. Globally, the main Angora goat farming areas are in Turkey, South Africa, Argentina, and Australia. The Angora goat is larger and stronger than the European goat, and it differs especially in its strong horns, which are horizontally twisted and have sharp fringes. This breed's name (as well as the Angora rabbit and Angora cat) was derived from the ancient name of the current capital of Turkey, Ankara—Ango...

Jul72024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

American Pygmy Goat Breed Profile

Livestock

The American Pygmy goat is a breed of achondroplastic goat and is the most famous goat breed as a pet. It is small, compact, and stockily built. Like the Nigerian Dwarf, it derives from the West African Dwarf group of breeds of West Africa. Between 1930 and 1960, animals of this type were imported to the United States for use either as zoo animals or for research; some were later kept and bred as companion animals and established as a breed in 1975. The pygmy may also be known as the Cameroon goat or African Pygmy. It is quite different and separate from the British Pygmy breed. The goats made a journey and occupied a minimum of space. As for the supply of spruce, what they gave was transferred to long sea voyages without problems, and for the team, they were the source of milk and m...

Jul72024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Alpine Goat Breed Profile

Livestock

The Alpine goat is a goat breed native to the Alps and one of the world's most famous goat breeds. It is medium in size and characterized by a suede coat. In addition, this breed is known for being an excellent milk carrier that establishes itself well for breeding. Artificial insemination plays a decisive role in this type of goat. This is the first French goat breed in number, with 140,000 goats in the milk register. Alpine Goat Physical Features The Alpine goat is a medium to large breed of domestic goat known for its excellent milking ability. They do not have fixed colors or markings (although some brands are discriminatory). They have horns, a straight profile, and erect ears. This breed originated in the French Alps. Mature specimens weigh around 61 kilograms (about 135 pounds)...

Jul52024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Do Drones Mate with Their Own Queen?

Livestock

The intricate world of honeybee queen mating has long fascinated scientists and beekeepers alike. One of the intriguing questions that arises in this context is whether queen bees ever mate with their own drones. While it might seem counterintuitive, honeybees' natural instincts work against such inbreeding. In this article, we will delve into the captivating process of honeybee mating, addressing the methods, purposes, and consequences of this vital act in a bee's life. The Mating Ritual Contrary to the territorial battles that queen bees engage in, the mating ritual between a queen and a drone is more about speed and agility than direct confrontation. Drones, the male honeybees, engage in a high-speed chase to catch up with the queen during her mating flight. This chase involves hu...

Jun212024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Exploring Stingless Bee Farming in the Philippines

Livestock

The declining population of pollinators has emerged as a global concern, impacting ecosystems and agricultural production. The apiculture industry faces numerous challenges, notably colony collapse disorder (CCD), attributed to the susceptibility of introduced bee species, Apis mellifera, to pests and diseases. Dr. Cleofas R. Cervancia, President of the Apimondia Regional Commission in Asia, recognizes the need for innovative strategies to revitalize beekeeping in the Philippines. This article explores the promising alternative of stingless bee farming (Tetragonula biroi) and its potential to transform the country's beekeeping industry. Challenges of Conventional Beekeeping The Philippines imports around 300 metric tons of honey annually, while local production remains at only about ...

Jun212024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Cassava as Livestock and Poultry Feed

Agriculture, Livestock

Cassava, known scientifically as Manihot esculenta, has been a staple root crop in the Philippines for centuries, and its uses are as diverse as the nation's rich culture. Locally, it is known by various names like balinghoy, balanghoy, or kamoteng-kahoy, while internationally, it goes by manioc or tapioca. Beyond its role as a human food source, cassava offers various other applications, including animal feed, medicine, alcohol, and even industrial uses such as textile production and biodegradable materials. In this article, we'll explore the untapped potential of cassava as livestock and poultry feed and the various factors that have hindered its widespread adoption in the industry. Cassava's Remarkable Versatility Cassava is prized for its versatility, and its multiple uses make i...

Apr22024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

DA Explores Seaweed as Affordable Livestock Feed

Aquaculture, Livestock

MANILA - The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines is embarking on an innovative initiative to reduce the cost of meat production by introducing processed seaweed as a cost-effective alternative fodder for livestock and other farm animals. The DA's novel approach aims to tap into the country's abundant seaweed resources to enhance food security, curb inflation, and promote sustainable agriculture. DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano recently highlighted seaweed's untapped potential as a valuable and affordable source of animal feed. The Philippines' extensive coastline and marine resources provide an ideal environment for cultivating and harvesting this underutilized resource. Seaweed is known for its versatility and nutritional benefits, making it a promising a...

Apr22024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Crocodile Farming in the Philippines: How to Grow and Care for Crocodiles

Aquaculture, Livestock

As the demand for exotic animals and luxury items increases, so does the number of people turning to crocodile farming as an alternative source of income. In this article, we’ll explore what is involved in setting up a crocodile farm and how to properly care for these ancient reptiles so they can be harvested and sold in the best conditions possible. What is Crocodile Farming? Crocodile farming is raising crocodiles for their meat, skin, and other products. It is a relatively new industry, with most farms established in the past few decades. Crocodiles are farmed in many parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The main markets for crocodile products are Europe and North America. There are two main types of crocodile farming: intensive and extensive....

Mar302024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Richard Bates Grey Gamefowl History and Fighting Style

Livestock

Are you a fan of cockfighting? Have you ever heard of the Bates Grey bloodline? If not, get ready to learn about one of the most popular and sought-after strains in the gamefowl world. This breed, Developed by Richard Bates, has captivated enthusiasts for its physical characteristics, fighting style, and overall temperament. This blog post will explore everything you need to know about the Bates Grey Gamefowl Bloodline - from their history and origin to their behavior and crosses. So please sit back, relax, and discover what makes these birds so unique! History and Origin Richard Bates, a well-known gamefowl breeder from Texas, is credited with developing the Bates Grey bloodline. He began breeding these birds in the 1960s and continued to refine them over the years until he achieved wha...

Mar292024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Analyzing the Income-Generating Potential of Beekeeping

Livestock

Honey, a golden elixir produced by the diligent honeybee, is a remarkable natural gift. Beyond its delightful taste and natural sweetness, honey has been revered for its numerous health benefits and is a staple in kitchens worldwide. However, beyond its culinary applications, honey holds vast income-generating potential, making beekeeping an attractive venture for those looking to tap into this sweet opportunity. Beekeeping and the Making of Honey The story of honey begins with the extraordinary work of bees. Honeybees are nature's master alchemists, transforming flower nectar into liquid gold. When bees collect nectar from flowers, they store it in their abdomens, forming what is known as the honey stomach. In this remarkable biological process, protein molecules within the honey stomac...