The common problem in genetic improvement of native goats through upgrading technology is the availability of quality breeders. The Small Ruminant Center (SRC), Central Luzon State University (CLSU) implemented the Barangay Goat Breeder Production project in 2004 to provide quality breeder stocks and showcase its feasibility to farmers. In order to fast tract the gains of upgrading technology, 25 upgraded does and one purebred buck were the source of breeder stocks to cooperating farmers. Eight male progenies were dispersed in the form of buck-loan to seven farmers divided into two groups (Group 1, those with native does and Group 2, with upgraded does) in the Science City of Munoz in Nueva Ecija and the towns of Balungao and Umingan in Pangasinan. The farmers were selected based on their willingness, knowledge and capability to implement the recommended production technologies, and that they have at least 5 does. Raisers adopted sustainable parasite control (SPC) and semi-intensive feeding system using multipurpose tree legumes such as “ipil-ipil” (Leucaena leucocephala), “kakawate” (Gliricidia sepium), “katuray” (Sesbania sesban), crop residues, and mineral supplementation. The project adopted the Crop- Animal Research Network’s (CASREN) participatory approach to ensure proper fit between project interventions and the needs and preferences of target farmers.
As of 2005, five farms in Balungao (Group 1) with 32 native does and 58 offsprings, and one farm each in Munoz and Umingan (Group 2) with 54 upgraded does (50% Anglo Nubian and 50% native) and 110 offsprings are being monitored and evaluated to determine their reproductive and growth performance. Kidding interval, kidding size and type of birth are determined among 86 breeder does. Birth weight, weaning rate, pre-weaning mortality, and growth performance of 168 offsprings are being monitored.
After two parities, the does in both groups showed good performance, but does and kids in Group 2 performed better. Kidding interval is 8 months for the two groups. There is higher incidence of multiple births in Group 1, but dams in Group 2 have relatively higher weaning rate as a result of lower weaning mortality. Birth weight among kids in Group 2 was 3.25 kg, 0.45 kg higher than those born in Group 1. Moreover, 85.9 g average daily gain (ADG) of growing kids in Group 2 resulted in higher weaning weight than those in Group 1. Thus, farmers in Group 2 are expected to benefit more from the on-going upgrading technology as a result of better reproductive and growth performance of their animals with higher exotic bloodline.
