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Sunday, February 16, 2025

DA approves importation of 1,520 breeder goats, 4,310 sheep for Mindanao

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Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. approved the importation of 1,520 breeder goats and 4,310 sheep to help restock and improve local herds, primarily in Mindanao.

The importation is expected to enhance the genetic quality of the country’s goat and sheep populations and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s livestock sectors.

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It said the shipment would include 155 Anglo Nubian bucks, 175 Boer bucks and 1,190 Boer does, which would be distributed to nucleus and multiplier farms in Barili, Cebu and Makilala, North Cotabato.

The imported sheep will consist of 260 Dorper rams and 4,050 Dorper ewes, to be allocated for distribution in North Cotabato.

While the Department of Agriculture (DA) has yet to set the date for the bidding process for the importation, funding for the purchase of the goats and sheep was secured under the 2024 budget.

Once the notice of award is issued by the DA’s National Livestock Program, the imported animals should be delivered within 90 days.

To meet the required standards, the goats and sheep should be between 6 and 15 months old. Goats should weigh at least 35 kilograms for bucks and 30 kg. for does after quarantine, while the sheep should weigh at least 40 kg. for rams and 35 kg. for ewes.

The imported sheep should also be full-blooded and sourced from registered farms.

Anglo-Nubian goats are prized for their meat, milk and hide, although they are not typically high milk producers. Boer goats, known for their superior meat quality, are among the most sought-after livestock breeds.

The price of breeder goats from the US can range from $800 to 5,000 depending on quality. On the other hand, Dorper sheep, famous for their fast growth and excellent meat production, typically sell for $500 to $1,500 each.

While the importation intends to enhance the Philippines’ livestock industry, it is also seen to provide farmers with opportunities to diversify their income, create jobs and contribute to food security in the country.

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