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[av_heading heading=’Goat production seen as a lucrative venture’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
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Wednesday, July 5, 2017
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PRODUCTION of goat in the country is seen as a bright industry, considering that goats only require minimal investment and simple management practices compared with producing large ruminants, poultry, and swine.
However, high slaughter rate and low productivity hinder the growth of the industry.
Low goat productivity is associated with the limited knowledge of farmers on proper production, appropriate feeding options, and lack of access to quality breeder animals.
To address this challenge, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD-DOST) implemented the National Science and Technology(S&T) Program on Slaughter Goat with one of the components aiming to promote mature products to farmers and future entrepreneurs.
These products include forage-based pellets and portable pelletizing machines.
The initiatives in the promotion of the products were detailed under the study dubbed “Promotion of forage-based pellets for goats as a feeding option and portable pelletizer as potential enterprises,” which was conducted by Maria Excelsis M. Orden, Matilde Milicent S. Recto, Jackielou R. Gallarde, and Edgar A. Orden of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU).
It was learned that forage-based pellet feeds for goats is a mixture of leaf meal, copra meal, rice bran, and minerals.
These are then pelletized using a portable pelletizing machine.
At least two kinds of pellet feeds were promoted – one for growing, while the other one is for lactating goats.
In terms of investment, for an annual production of at least 115,200 kilograms (kg) of forage-based pellets, a farmer entrepreneur needs a total initial investment of some P1.53 million.
The P1.03 million of the said amount will be used for working capital and start-up cost while the remaining P0.50 million is for capital investment.
The computed internal rate of return (IRR) is 43 percent, the net present value (NPV) is estimated at P535,223 and benefit cost ratio (BCR) is at 1.17.
Meanwhile, for an 86,400-kg production level, IRR is said to be 15 percent, NPV at P121,022 and the BCR at 1.09.
These data were detailed in an investment portfolio developed under the program.
To further promote these two products, information, education, and communication (IEC) materials were developed.
These were translated into four dialects, including Tagalog, Waray, Ilonggo, and Ilocano.
Several video presentations, a Facebook page, and a dedicated website were also developed to support the promotion of the said products.
Promotional activities in Regions 1, 2, 3, 8, 10, and 12 were conducted, involving at least 9,424 participants.
A total of 7,570 IEC materials were distributed as of March last year.
As a result of these promotions, 12 units of pelletizing machines that cost P48,000 per unit were fabricated by CLSU as of November 2016.
In terms of producing forage-based pellets for goats, Sean Cristobal of the Farm by the Sea bought the first pelletizer fabricated by CLSU.
He produces 1,000 kg of pellets per month, which he sells to a commercial goat raiser in Pangasinan.
His net margin is 30 percent or P7 per kg. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
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