The Negros Occidental provincial government is scaling up its dairy goat production by increasing animal population through an infusion of locally born crossbred.

Earlier this month, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO)-run Negros First Ranch (NFR) in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia town produced for the first time dairy goat triplets with an Anglo-Nubian breed.

Dr. Renante Decena, provincial veterinarian, said in a statement on Monday that since the breed is known for producing more meat, they are optimistic that this will also boost the dairy goat development in the province.

The NFR has a current population of 58 breeder stocks, and increasing the number through an infusion of crossbred types of goats will capacitate production not only of meat, but also large volumes of milk, he added.

The province’s Dairy Goat Development Project aims to provide additional sources of income and improve the livelihood of local raisers.

It is also working on the utilization of goat milk either to be marketed as fresh or processed, depending on the prevailing local demand or for household consumption, and increasing the sufficiency of milk production and supply.

Decena said for almost two years, the province was able to distribute and release about 230 heads of dairy goat, which were given as donations to local government units and some government agencies.

Dairy goat is an alternative livestock enterprise suitable for small-scale livestock raisers as it involves minimal capital investment on housing, nutrition and labor, the PVO chief said.

“It is also easy to handle and manage as it requires low maintenance of feeding through tree leaves, weeds, grasses and agricultural by-products,” he added.

According to the PVO, there has been an increase in demand for goats for dairy farming, and the number of goats in the province has also been consistently increasing. (PNA)