DA Eyes Conservation, Breeding of 'Giant' Carabao in N. Samar

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is assessing the potential use of an unusually large carabao found in Northern Samar for a breeding and conservation program aimed at improving the province's livestock production. Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Benjamin Albarece led a DA technical mission to San Roque, Northern Samar, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, to inspect the giant carabao. The DA intends to evaluate the animal's genetic traits and potentially incorporate it into future breeding programs to develop larger and more productive livestock. Carabao are vital livestock in rural Philippines, used for farming, dairy, and meat. However, challenges in their productivity and improvement have been noted. This initiative could be a step towards enhancing the capabilities of carabao, a key livestock resource for the Philippines. The discovery of this 'giant' carabao has also garnered attention from the local community, with hopes that its successful conservation and breeding could contribute to the livestock industry not only in Northern Samar but across the Philippines.