THE goat-raising industry in the Philippines is set to benefit from a groundbreaking technology
innovation, as the Department of Science and Technology Region 2 (DOST 2), in collaboration
with the Isabela State University (ISU) and DOST-PCAARRD, reported the successful
implementation of its Embryo Transfer (ET) Technology for goats.
The development was announced by DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V.
Ebora during the 2024 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) held in Cagayan
Valley.
Ebora said five kids were successfully produced using the ET technology, which is part of the
Innovative Systems in Advancing Technology-Based Goat Production project funded by the
DOST-PCAARRD.
Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, ISU president, emphasized the importance of technological innovations in
goat production, and highlighted key technologies such as semen collection, semen processing,
and artificial insemination for small ruminants to modernize goat production and enhance the
efficiency and profitability of goat farming.
Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the Embryo Transfer
Technology enables the production of multiple offspring from a single female goat, significantly
enhancing reproductive efficiency.
The process involves superovulation to maximize the oocyte reserves of a female goat, followed
by the transfer of fertilized embryos to recipient females. The method increases both the
number of offspring and the speed of genetic exchange between herds, thus accelerating the
improvement of goat breeds.
The total goat inventory in the Philippines has declined in recent years. The current inventory is
estimated at 3.86 million heads, a decrease from previous counts, with over 99 percent of the
country’s goat population sourced from small-hold farms.
The situation highlights the pressing need for improved goat meat production to meet rising
demand. Goat meat, or chevon, has been gaining popularity due to its lower calorie, cholesterol,
and saturated fat content compared to other meats such as beef, pork, and chicken.
Additionally, the goat industry provides not only nutritious meat and milk but also supports
agricultural diversification and offers a vital source of income for small-scale farmers.
Dr. Cristino Nayga delivered the first embryo transfer (ET) kid in June 2023, with four additional
kids produced from three other dams in the following months. The kids were derived from dams
with a 75 percent Boer bloodline mated with purebred Boer bucks.
The experiment marked a significant milestone in ISU’s breeding program, which has been
looking at enhancing the population of high-quality, true-to-type goats in Region 2, now branded
as the “Cagayan Valley Signature Goat.”
DOST has acknowledged the potential of the ET technology to address the challenges faced by
the goat industry and enhance productivity for small-hold farmers and has committed to provide
essential solutions to strengthen the industry in the Philippines. It said the innovative approach
would enhance livestock management and productivity while positioning the goat industry for a
more competitive and sustainable future. (Nelson Santos)