The country’s goat-raising industry is expected to benefit from the success of the Embryo Transfer (ET) technology that was developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Cagayan Valley in collaboration with the Isabela State University (ISU) and the
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).
At the 2024 Regional Science and Technology Week in Cagayan Valley,
Reynaldo Ebora, PCAARD executive director, said five kids were successfully produced using the ET technology.
The technology is part of the Innovative Systems in Advancing Technology-Based Goat Production project funded by PCAARRD.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ricmar Aquino, ISU president, cited the importance of technological innovations in goat production particularly 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.
Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., DOST secretary, the ET technology enables the production of multiple offsprings from a single female goat which significantly enhances reproductive efficiency.
DOST described the ET technology as something that involves superovulation to maximize the oocyte reserves of a female goat followed by the transfer of fertilized embryos to recipient females.
The agency said this method increases both the number of offsprings and the speed of genetic exchange between herds to accelerate the improvement of goat breeds.
DOST said this will help improve the current total goat inventory in the Philippines which is estimated at 3.86 million heads.
The agency also said there is a need to improve goat meat and milk production to meet rising demand.
Goat meat has been gaining popularity due to its lower calorie, cholesterol and saturated fat content compared to other meats.
DOST added the first ET technology kid was delivered 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.
