DA-NDA turn over 77 pregnant heifers
The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the National Dairy Authority (NDA) turned over seventy-seven pregnant heifers from New Zealand to the farmer-beneficiaries from the municipalities of Alimodian, Guimbal, Cabatuan, Leon and Tigbauan, Iloilo.
According to Dr. Oscar Limoso, Chief of Animal Quarantine, DA RFU 6, the heifer bred are crosses of Holstein Friesian (a temperate bred) plus Sahiwal (tropical bred).
"This bred can easily adopts to our climate and can produce more milk compared to our native cows," Dr. Limoso added.
The heifers are 20 to 24 months old and are four to seven months pregnant. It is expected to deliver offspring on the first and second semester of next year.
Ms. Grace Cenas General Manager of NDA said that the cooperative and private individuals has a joint solidary liability in paying the loan at Quedancor.
The heifer cost P 85,000.00 per head at an interest of 8% per anum. It has 2.5% service fee for the first year and payable in five years with six months grace period.
"The cooperatives/farmers has three options in paying the loan. They can pay in cash, monetize the cows and through the proceeds of the milk produced," she added.
Dr Limoso stressed that the heifers were quarantined at Cagayan de Oro for 30 days before shifting here in Iloilo City as one of the requirement in importing live cattle and to ensure that the stocks are free from diseases.
"The country of origin which is New Zealand is free from the dreaded Foot and mouth Disease (FMD) and Madcow disease.
The municipality of Cabatuan got 25 heads, Alimodian -- 20 heads, Guimbal -- 20 heads, Leon -- 8 heads and Tigbauan -- 4 heads.
Ms. Pelita G. Mecha, chief, livestock division DA RFU 6 said that the heifers were purely for milk purposes and can greatly contribute to the success of the dairy program here in the region.
"The offspring that it will deliver can also upgrade our native stocks," she added.
(Eleanor B. Rivera/RAFID 6)