Mark Anthony A.

Manalastas BS Development Communication III-A

 Carabao (Bubalus bubalis) Commonly raised livestock specie in the Philippines and Region VII in particular. Considered as a backyard activity among farmers. Gained remarkable importance in the past years as a vital component in food sustainability and income to farmers. Water buffalo - considered as the farmers inseparable partner in his farming activities. Asian animal approximately 97% of the world buffalo population is concentrated in Asia .

In the Philippines, the water buffalo population is approximately 2.9 million head of which approximately 72% are used for farm operations.

Two types: Swamp type River type

River Type exemplified by the Indian and subcontinent breeds considered under the dairy category because it possesses high genetic capacity for milk production Good river type cows under Philippine conditions produce about 1,384 kg milk for an average lactation period of 287 days

Swamp Type distinguished by its natural preference for swamps or marshlands it is where the Philippine carabao belongs primarily utilized for farm work usually slaughtered and the meat is sold as carabeef meat is inferior in quality and has developed a prejudice among consumers but when carabaos are fed, managed and slaughtered at the same age as cattle, the meat is as good as beef.

For the Swamp type: 1. Philippine carabao Philippine origin. The color is light gray in general with two stripes or chevron distinct on the ventral side of the neck, one near the brisket and the other near jaw. Color is lighter on the legs and outside of the body and the ears. Horn is generally curved outward and inward to form a semi-circle from the base of the head. Upper surface of horns has grooves. Low wide and heavy built body with sufficient type for draft and meat. The average mature weight for male is 500 kgs while the female is 425 kgs with and average milk production of 1.45 2.64 kgs per day.
2. Thai buffalo Origin in Thailand. Black color and the hair is relatively loan as compared to some other types. Strong and broad bodied animals with prominent muscling in neck chest and back. Massive and strong horn to form a moonlike crescent with ends upwards. Average weight for male and female is 540 kgs and 400 kgs, respectively. Daily average milk production is 0.9-1.0 kg.

Breeds

For the River type: 1. Murrah India by origin. Jet black in color with white switch in the tail; skin texture is soft and fine. Horn is tightly and spirally curled. Massive and stocky built, and light neck and head; short limbs, broad hips and drooping quarter; wedge shape conformation. Udder and teats are well developed; teats are black, long and stout. Male and female average weight is 625 and 525 kgs, respectively with an average milk production of 5 7 kg a day. 2. Surti originated in India. The color is black or brown. The skin is black or reddish and the hair gray to rusty brown. Horns coil downward and upward to form a hook. Wedge shape conformation. In bulls the front is much more developed while the hind portion is narrow. Average weight for mature male is 499 kgs while the female weighs 408 kgs with 5 6 kgs daily milk production.

Problems and Prospects Poor reproductive capacity Low productivity High mortality Poor marketing Unrealistic credit facilities

Source: EntrePinoys Atbp. March 28, 2008

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