Category: AGRICULTURE

PRESERVED COLOSTRUM CAN REPLACE WHOLE MILK

PRESERVED COLOSTRUM CAN REPLACE WHOLE MILK

 

Based on research findings conducted by PCARRD-DOST and UP at Los Baños, colostrum, a dark yellow mammary secretion which precedes normal milk flow, can be preserved to totally replace whole milk in the diet of nursing calves. Replaced whole milk can then be processed for human consumption. Compared to whole milk colostrum contains a higher amount of total solids, protein, ash, Vitamin A

and riboflavin. More importantly, it carries with it the blood serum, notably immunoglobulins and serum proteins, that gives the immunity to various diseases. A nursing cow produces colostrum for 3 to 5 days after delivery more than what its calf can ordinarily consume within that period. Unfortunately, the extra colostrum cannot be sold for human consumption because of its laxative effect. Freezing is the most effective method of storing colostrum as far as preventing the breakdown of milk fat, protein and total solids and maintaining the quality of fresh colostrum are concerned. Fresh colostrum has a sweet fresh odor, dark yellow color, smooth consistency and pH of about 6.

 

Source:  Phil. Farmer’s Journal June 1992

DUCK BREEDING

DUCK BREEDING

 

For efficient and productive duck breeding operation, consider the following tips recommended by  experts from the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research in Los Baños, Laguna.

 

1. Maintain the proper ratio of male to female ducks in a breeding shed or kamalig. Put in one drake for every five to 10 female ducks. Keep extra drakes in a separate shed in case some male breeders die of diseases or become unproductive.

2. The drakes can be distinguished from the females by their voice and appearance. Females `quack’ while drakes provide a hissing sound. Drakes have curly tail features.

3. If possible, the drakes should be one month older than the female ducks. This is to ensure that the males are ready for mating during the breeding season.

4. Choose drakes and females alike with well-developed bodies and good conformation. They should be healthy, have a good set of feathers and with keen, alert eyes. Do not select those that are obviously sickly and thin.

 

Source: Phil. Farmer’s Journal March 1981

SIMPLER WAY TO FIND OUT FEED DEFICIENCY

SIMPLER WAY TO FIND OUT FEED DEFICIENCY

 

Experts suggested an easy way of finding out whether the chickens are being fed correctly. This is by looking at the floor of the pen to find out whether there are too many or too little feathers scattered around, or looking at the chickens to see whether some of them are already bald due to pecking by the other chickens. The underlying principle is, that the chickens will eat their feathers to get the protein they need. The chickens feathers and their fellow chicken’s skins are good sources of protein. Tips showing when chickens are supplied with more protein are: when the chickens are bald, when chickens are suffering from wounds inflicted by other chickens that peck on

them and when less feathers are scattered around. These techniques could easily be adapted to large scale commercial operations where collection of accurate weight and conversion data would not be possible.

 

Source: Greenfields, July 1980

DRIED POULTRY MANURE FOR DAIRY CATTLE FEEDING

DRIED POULTRY MANURE FOR DAIRY CATTLE FEEDING

 

Protein concentrate is an important component of a dairy ration. However, conventional protein sources are too costly for the backyard farmer. This prompted the search for cheap sources of protein.

The utilization of poultry waste as a protein source, either dried or fermented, has been the subject of investigation by several research institutions notably, the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) at UPLB, UP College of Veterinary Medicine, Bureau of Animal Industry and other research agencies. Studies showed that DPM contains about 22% crude protein and feed cost is reduced by 30% in DPMsupplemented rations. Research conducted at the DTRI-UPLB revealed that at 23% of total ration, DPM was a good supplement to rice straw for dairy cattle from yearling to the end of the first lactation. However, at 45%, DPM rendered the ration unpalatable as manifested by poor intake, hence, stunted growth of the animals. Molasses is an important indigent in rice straw-DPM ration for improved palatability.

 

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