Sustainability of Zampen native chicken production
As they are raised freerange, native chickens are generally perceived as being free of antibiotics and other synthetic chemical residues.
Given these advantages, a government research and development consortium based in Zamboanga City led a two-day technology transfer activity in an effort to promote Zampen native chicken production as a source of livelihood in the Zamboanga peninsula. The move also aims to inspire native chicken production in the region.
PURIFIED BREED The purified breed of Zampen native chicken could yield more eggs annually compared to the Joloano native chicken. The former also has a lower mortality rate.
It is one of the four purified native chicken strains developed in a project; the other strains are Darag in Western Visayas; Camarines in Bicol; and Boholano in Bohol.
The Western Mindanao Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC) gathered farmers engaged in native chicken production as well as potential raisers to teach them about Zampen native chicken production.
Implemented by Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), the project is a component of a native chicken program entitled “Purification, Improvement and Sustainable Utilization of Native Chicken Strains in Bohol, Bicol, and Zamboanga Peninsula.” It adopts the technologies and protocol developed by WMSU on the management of the native chickens from
hatching, day-old, hardening, and up to the time until the birds become ready for breeding; selecting and purifying the strain; and developing the health protocol and feeding management system.
ENRICHED WITH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY This could be another meaningful and productive farming activity that is enriched with science and technology. The event, dubbed “Zampen Native Chicken FIESTA,” was initiated by the Los Baños, Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD-DOST). “FIESTA” is an acronym for “Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda.”
FIESTA aims to facilitate the flow of technology not only to the farmers but also to the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises, so that these can benefit from the government’s R&D undertakings, thereby enabling them to contribute more to economic development.
The Zampen Native Chicken FIESTA 2016, which was held at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga last November, served as a major activity to commemorate WESMAARRDEC’s 29th anniversary. With the theme “Manok Zampen: Livelihood Option for Every Juan in the Region,” the event also highlighted the S&T Business Forum which tackled several topics regarding Zampen native chicken production.
Dr. Synan Baguio, officer-in-charge of the Livestock Research Division of PCAARRD, discussed the selection, breeding, and production management of Zampen Native Chicken, while Alfred Parungao of the same division discussed concerns on range management protocols and feeding strategies for sustainable chicken production. Dr. Paterna Saavedra, and Dr. Teresita A. Narvaez, researchers from the Western Mindanao State University (WESMAARRDEC’s base agency) tackled issues involving breeder native chickens and hatchery management, and pricing and marketing strategies for Zampen chicken, respectively.
GAINS OF ZAMPEN The gains of Zampen native chicken were boosted by the testimonies of stakeholders, most notable of which was that of Bureau of Corrections’ administrative staff member Wilfredo B. Castillo. He narrated how Zampen native chicken production at the San Ramon Penal Farm in Zamboanga City has provided the inmates with a productive activity and a livelihood opportunity once they have served their sentence.
Native chicken production is considered to be the most competitive and sustainable subsector of the local poultry industry owing to its numerous advantages such as low capital investment, simple management system, and the emergence of new markets.
Presenting an additional income source to farmers, and known as a source of high quality meat, native chicken is considered an important component of the country’s rural farming system.
WMSU, as one of the implementing agencies of the Native Chicken Program funded by PCAARRD, has developed sustainable S&T-based options for native chicken improvement and profitable utilization for rural farmers in Region 9 through the development of technologies for breeding and selection, generation of pricing and marketing information, and policy recommendations for the enhancement of native chicken productivity and production efficiency.
This is expected to help promote the growth of the native chicken industry, capitalizing on its benefits and the opportunities it offers everyone.