Exploring Agricultural Innovations: SLSU Bontoc Faculty joins 61st PSAS
Held annually, the 61st Philippine Society of Animal Science (PSAS) convened on October 22-24, 2024 at the Acacia Hotel, Davao City, bringing together agricultural enthusiast, researchers, educators, and various industry stakeholders.
Themed "Progressive and Food-secure Future for the Philippine Animal Industry," the convention served as a platform for learning and collaboration, showcasing innovations and advancements designed to strengthen the country’s animal industry.
Immersive Learning and Practical Insights
On Day 1, the convention was dedicated to registration and networking, setting the stage for the series of lectures and practical sessions that followed on the second and third days. These sessions spotlighted novel products and native breeds designed to improve the agricultural sector’s productivity and sustainability.
Assistant Professor Webel Glenn Dublado, representing Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus, shared his engagement in the event, stating, “I immersed myself in the practical sessions throughout the convention as I believe the topics discussed can be directly applied to the animal industry, particularly in agri-entrepreneurship in the campus.”
A key highlight of the event was the introduction of “Kardeli,” a carabeef product developed by the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC). As an organization dedicated to advancing the country’s carabao industry, PCC continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation through value-added initiatives like Kardeli, one of many products showcasing the potential of carabao-based enterprises.
J.H Cerilles State College of Zamboanga also introduced remarkable native chicken breed known as “Zampen” which originiates from the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Mr. Dublado shared, “The Zampen has been a result of the careful selection of native chickens in Zamboanga Peninsula. This breed stands out for its adaptability and resilience to its environment, making it an excellent choice for commercial farming.”
Championing Native Breeds
Mr. Dublado shared that the scientific convention also showcased several native breeds, each tailored to meet specific demands within the local industry.
ItikPINAS: A registered duck breed boasting larger eggs and higher production rates than mongrel ducks. With established multiplier farms in Luzon, this breed is driving improvements in the duck industry.
Native Pigs: Breeds such as Markaduke, Q-black, ISUbela, Yooka, Benguet, and Sinirangan were introduced as excellent alternatives for producing “lechon.” These pigs, noted for their uniform growth rates, are a promising addition to the swine industry.
“Unlike mongrel pigs, these native breeds exhibit 80% to 90% uniformity in their growth rate. It was suggested that these pigs be primarily raised mostly for the “lechon”, as they typically do not exceed 60kg within six months, as compared to the traditional commercial swine breeds used in the country,” Mr. Dublado added.
Caraga Black Chickens: Caraga State University (CSU) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) worked to preserve the Caraga Black chicken breed known as “Patani”, protecting it from potential extinction. This breed could become a regional trademark due to its health benefits and exceptional adaptability to environmental changes.
Mr. Dublado, “The breed’s phenotypic characteristics include black plumage with black skin which is the same characteristics of the Ayam chicken of Indonesia. The breed has been forecast as not to have only a culinary value but can be included in the ceremonial rights in the tribes of Mindanao because of its unique plumage and characteristic skin color,” added.
Addressing Industry Challenges
The sessions also addressed critical issues, including the ongoing African Swine Fever (ASF) epidemic, which remains largely concentrated in Luzon. Mr. Dublado noted, “Updates included the implementation of border control measures and experimental vaccine trials from Vietnam.”
Moreover, researchers also presented the potential of rabbit meat as a viable protein source and the thermotolerant gene (HSP70) in local water buffaloes, which could mitigate heat stress during peak summer months.
The convention concluded with the promise of mailed certificates of participation, leaving attendees enriched with knowledge and inspired by the agricultural potential of native breeds and innovative practices.
The 61st PSAS Convention 2023 not only served as a platform for sharing groundbreaking ideas but also underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing the Philippines’ animal industry.
