IN ITS bid to boost livelihood opportunities for Negrense raisers, the Negros First Ranch (NFR) at Barangay Sta. Rosa in Murcia town has initiated a cattle fattening project using culled and meat type breeds like Brahman, Simmental and Charolais.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), in a press release, said the 20 heads of cattle subjected to fattening are intended for marketing and research purposes.
The cattle with an initial weight of 272 kilograms have gained about 120 kilograms each in four months.
This shows that NFR fattened cattle are in favorable conditions with a guaranteed better quality meat, it added.
NFR is a multiplier farm run by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
Given the proper technology and feeding program, PVO said that fattened cattle can be more saleable.
It can be an option for livelihood which the province can introduce and promote among livestock backyard raisers.
NFR cattle fattening is a livestock production practice that reduces animal movements to fatten them quickly in order to yield more meat.
Culling, meanwhile, is practiced in the farm to select best breeder cattle for meat and milk purposes.
PVO further said that the fattening program aims to promote efficient and competitive livestock production by providing value-added products to local markets.
“The NFR Ordinance provides that farm earnings can be attained through cattle fattening and breeding which can be enhanced through the adoption of appropriate technology,” it added.