GMA Livestock is a national program to modernize livestock farming whose ultimate beneficiaries are the smallhold animal producers. One of its components is the Small Ruminant Genetic Resources Improvement Program where the Small Ruminant Center (SRC) in CLSU is a major implementor. Implementing strategies were formulated and carried out based on the thrust of the program.
Genetic improvement was undertaken through the infusion of different breeds and strains of goat. Five breeds such as native, Boer, Anglo Nubian, Saanen, Toggenburg, and their crosses are being raised in SRC. These breeds are disposed to multiplier, commercial and backyard farms in order to improve the quality of their breeder stock. A total of 212 breeders were disposed to 122 raisers, an average of about 2 head per raiser, from January 2004 to April 2005. There are 406 breeder reservations, of which 52 percent has been fulfilled.
Sustainable small ruminant techno-demo farms were established such as goat-mango, goat–rice and sheep-fish integration. Improved technologies like pure confinement or stall feeding management system using multiple grasses and legumes were applied. Farmers shifted from traditional raising techniques to improved technologies to transform them from being goat keepers to goat entrepreneurs.
Extension, education and training services were strengthened to reach out more raisers. A total of 12 short-term trainings were conducted and attended by 229 raisers during the same period. Moreover, the training inculcated to the participants the potentials of successful goat farming in generating income.
The strategies implemented in GMA Livestock program are geared towards progress, development and recognition that small ruminants is an important commodity that will serve as potential source of food and income among rural households.
