CARABAO RISES TO NEW-FOUND IMPORTANCE AS FARMERS’ ‘BEAST OF FORTUNE’
FROM “BEAST OF BURDEN” to “beast of fortune”: that’s how the carabao has evolved after centuries of neglect, the threat of extinction, the low regard in which it is held, and playing second fiddle to farm machines. For most farmers, the carabao is a mainstay in farm work. It is their tractable, reliable, and uncomplaining ally in the myriad of tasks undertaken in the field. It is also harnessed for transport purposes in the rural areas. No wonder it was dubbed a “beast of burden.”
Despite being replaced in some of the most important farm tasks by small farm machinery, the carabao has not only made a successful comeback but has also become more significant to millions of farmers, changing people’s lives and being the center for vibrant carabao-based enterprises, thanks to the unflagging efforts of Filipino scientists, a government which worked hard for its upgrading, and the men and women who are continuously working for its welfare.
LEAP IN CARABAO MILK CONTRIBUTION “Over the years, we didn’t see the contribution of the [carabao to] local dairy production. But now, their contribution is 34% and [this figure continues to increase],” said Dr. Arneldel Barrio, acting Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) executive director.
The flow of milk comes from the upgrading of carabaos from the draft type to the dairy breed type
Take the case of Andypoe Garcia, a farmer in Sitio Mapiña, Magalang, Pampanga who collected 14 liters of milk a day for three months from his crossbred carabao during the peak period and seven to eight liters during the rest of the 10-month lactation period. He has more than 20 other dairy