Goat Raising in the Uplands of the Cordillera

Introduction

Consider these facts: about 15,800 metric tons of chevon (goat meat) is required to fill in the need of the country, while more is required for export to other countries specially the Arab nations in the Middle East. In addition to the meat and mild obtained from goats, the goatskin is also saleable to manufacturers of hand gloves, bags, shoes and drum heads.

Goat raising can be added source of income for upland farmers, although it is not given much attention as poultry and pig raising. However, the special attributes of goats like high fertility rates, inquisitive feeding habits, short interval of kidding, and their small body size make them very competitive for generating additional income.

Goat meat is greatly in demand today because it is prepared into special delicacies like kaldereta and kilawen which are the favorite menus of many Filipinos. It can also be a good ingredient for fresh or smoked sausages.

Goat raising therefore in the uplands of the Cordillera is one way of encouraging the farmer to plant leguminous forage and fodder crops including grasses. The planting of these crops will help insure the sustainability of fresh feeds for the goats and at the same time enriching the fertility of the soil.

In terms of ecological contribution, the established forage and fodder crops will provide vegetative cover that would minimize soil erosion.

Following the simple information guide on goat raising as embodied in the Technology Transfer Series will help the upland farmers generate additional income as well as helping the government in its program on reforestation and sustainable development.

Source: DENR-ERDS-CAR, 1992. Technology Transfer Series, Vol. 2(3).