DA eyes conservation, breeding of ‘giant’ carabao in N. Samar

TACLOBAN CITY— The Department of Agriculture (DA) is assessing an unusually large carabao in Northern Samar for possible use in a breeding and conservation program aimed at improving the province’s livestock production.

Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Benjamin Albarece led a DA technical mission to San Roque, Northern Samar, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, to inspect the animal and explore its potential genetic value for the province’s carabao industry.

The inspection was conducted with the Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Offices headed by Dr. Jose Luis Acompañado, with San Roque Mayor Mary Ann Avalon accompanying the team.

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Albarece proposed studying the possible crossbreeding of the giant-type carabao with existing water buffaloes in Northern Samar to develop animals with improved traits that could eventually increase milk and meat production.

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READ: Eastern Samar town bans butchering carabaos as farm fuel costs rise

The DA also plans to identify possible conservation sites and work with farmers to assess their animals and existing livestock management practices.

A “giant carabao” in this context refers to an exceptionally large domestic water buffalo, rather than a separate wild species. The Philippine carabao is a swamp-type water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) traditionally raised by farmers for farm work, meat and other agricultural uses. Government livestock programs have also promoted the use of improved and crossbred buffaloes to increase productivity.

The DA’s interest in the Northern Samar animal is focused on its possible value as breeding stock, rather than treating it as a distinct wild or endangered species.

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Albarece also emphasized the need to encourage privately led livestock breeders for different commodities to complement government breeding programs and help expand livestock populations and productivity.

He cited the Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP), which provides farmers access to improved livestock genetics, artificial insemination services, training and technical assistance.

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The program is intended to make improved genetics more accessible to small-scale farmers and support the development of more productive livestock through cooperation among government agencies, farmers, private breeders and academic institutions.

The DA team also visited Palapag to examine existing cattle-raising activities and areas with potential for livestock development.

A consultation involving Palapag Mayor Fawa Batula, Pambujan Mayor Owen Siervo, Municipal Administrator Jesus Acebuche of Laoang, artificial insemination technicians and local farmers discussed the status and challenges of cattle and carabao production in the area.

The initiative is part of Northern Samar’s efforts to strengthen livestock production, conserve valuable animal genetic resources and improve livelihood opportunities for farmers.

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Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan has supported the provincial government’s efforts to work with the DA and other partners on livestock development and agricultural food security. /das