The Provincial Government-run Negros First Ranch (NFR) in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia town continues to produce superior quality livestock, this time with twin calves of Simmental-Brahman-Charolais breed.

Born on April 30, these triple cross beef type cattle were named “Covida” and “Asfa” after the prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and African Swine Fever (ASF).

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said these animals were bred in July 2020 through natural breeding under the Provincial Genetic and Improvement Program (Pagip) of the province.

Decena said the program aims to enhance the quality and population of local animals especially livestock.

“The high-quality breeds of farm animals are produced at the ranch,” he said, adding that Pagip is one of the flagship programs of the Provincial Government aimed at improving and upgrading the genetic makeup of local breeds of livestock and poultry animals.

NFR-produced cattle is best known for its superior quality in terms of being resistant to adverse weather conditions, good maternal ability, excellent libido and high quality of beef.

Also in April this year, triplet goats named "Tony," "Carla" and "Denise" were born at the NFR.

Bred in November 2020, these were considered the first locally born dairy goats produced with an Anglo-Nubian breed.

These goats, along with the twin calves, are now housed at the NFR.

Decena said this only shows that the technical capability or expertise of the farm personnel of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) brought about by years of hands-on experience in the field of livestock production and animal husbandry matched with superior quality animal breed could result to multiple birthing or production of two or more offspring.

Also, these could be a product of good production practices or methods being employed in the farm, Decena said.

The Provincial Government is scaling up its livestock and poultry production by increasing animal population through the infusion of genetically improved breeds.

“With these efforts, it is expected that there would be more superior breed of livestock and poultry animals produced in the province,” he added.