THE Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Occidental said many of their veterinary farm clients in the province have ventured into entrepreneurship.

Its records showed that there is a growing group of Negrenses who are now highly inclined to engage in livestock and poultry raising purposely for business.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said these clients buy their original stocks from the two provincial farms, namely, Negros First Ranch (NFR) in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia and the Provincial Livestock Breeding Center and Dairy Farm (PLBCDF) in Barangay La Granja, La Carlota City.

Decena said these private individuals with the capacity to invest have recognized the potential of livestock and poultry production as means of ensuring food security and supply in every household.

"At the same time, they have seen this endeavor as an alternative livelihood to sustain their family income," he added.

The PVO said the increasing number of interested farmer-entrepreneurs is making serious headway to the new normal set-up brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

In fact, animal supply could no longer cater the demand as both provincial farms can no longer sufficiently accommodate breeder stocks of goat and cattle.

In terms of free-range chicken, the PLBCDF has an average production of 400 to 500 heads per week only.

In support to the sustainable growth of animal raisers province-wide, the PVO is currently catching up with the heightened demands.

Decena said they aim to expand its production facilities to cater

demands of Negrenses who shifted interest to animal raising as a business.

Aside from the provincial farms, they are also buying their stocks from the recipients of the province's animal dispersal program.

At present, there are 21 multiplier farms established by the PVO in collaboration with local government units (LGUs).

Decena said these facilities have become good sources in boosting poultry production, like pekin duck, with good growth potential, good laying performance and significantly disease resistant.

"While the two provincial farms are known for producing quality breeds of poultry as well as ruminants, the PVO also commits in ensuring that other livestock and poultry breeder stocks are of high quality," Decena said.

These are more resistant to both diseases and fluctuating weather conditions especially during this pandemic, he added.