02/02/2026
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"Toro ng Bayan," A Practical, Common Sense Strategy To Improve & Boost The Philippine Goat Industry!
Starting this month, a practical and common sense program aimed at boosting the Meat Goat Industry in North Cotabato and parts of Mindanao, the "Toro ng Bayan," will be launched by the COLIPAA, a local cooperative supported by the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Department of Agriculture.
The "Toro ng Bayan" will provide local goat farmers access to outstanding genetics of the Spanish Goats, the hardy and resilient breed from Texas known for their outstanding meat quality, without the need to buy expensive breeding materials.
The COLIPAA, which operates the Mindanao Small Ruminants Nucleus Farm (MSRNF) in Makilala, North Cotabato will allow local goat farmers to breed their native does (female goats) with Spanish Longhorn Bucks (male goats) for a reasonable fee.
This is the fastest way to improve local goat genetics which had been stunted because of the very expensive breeding materials which most farmers could not afford.
Here, I am sharing the guidelines of the "Toro ng Bayan" Program so that local government units, farmers cooperatives and individual farmers could avail of the program.
"TORO NG BAYAN PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Philippine Native Goat Upgrading Program through Spanish Goat Genetics
I. Program Overview
The Toro ng Bayan Program is a genetic upgrading initiative implemented by the Mindanao Small Ruminant Nucleus Farm (MSRNF) to improve the productivity and genetic quality of Philippine native goats through controlled crossbreeding using selected Spanish goat bucks.
The program primarily offers buck service to qualified local goat raisers by temporarily accommodating their does at MSRNF under strict biosecurity, animal health, and breeding management protocols.
II. Objectives
1. To upgrade Philippine native goats through the introduction of Spanish goat genetics;
2. To improve growth rate, reproductive efficiency, and overall herd performance of local goats;
3. To provide accessible, affordable, and controlled breeding services to smallholder goat raisers.
III. Eligibility of Participants
The program is open to:
• Local government units for their operated farms or assisted farmer-constituents;
• Cooperatives, association, private companies and groups who manage goat farms;
• Individual goat farmers.
IV. Eligibility and Selection of Does
Only healthy, sexually mature does shall be accepted into the program.
Minimum Requirements:
• At least 8 months old or with confirmed sexual maturity
• Body Condition Score (BCS) of 2.5–4
• Free from clinical signs of disease
• Not pregnant at the time of entry
• If recently gave birth, at least 4 months after birth.
V. Pre-Entry Assessment, Biosecurity and Health Protocols
Prior to acceptance into MSRNF, the following procedures shall be conducted:
1. Mandatory Health Screening
o Negative test result for Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE). Blood samples will be collected by the MSRNF technical team for testing;
o General health assessment: a good posture, normal body weight and condition, absence of clinical signs.
2. Initial Assessment
o Physical examination by the MSRNF Technical Team on-farm;
o Verification of age, body condition, and reproductive soundness.
3. Health Interventions
o Deworming using appropriate anthelmintics;
o Administration of vitamins;
o Bathing with anti-ectoparasitic solution.
4. Observation Period
o A minimum of one (1) week observation after treatment before transfer;
o Any doe showing signs of illness during this period shall be disqualified.
VI. Breeding and Housing Arrangement
• Accepted does shall be transported to MSRNF after clearance;
• Does shall be hosted at MSRNF for one (1) month for breeding;
• Extension of stay shall be decided by the owner and the MSRNF subject to prevailing fees and adjustments;
• Natural mating shall be conducted using selected Spanish goat bucks;
• Breeding schedules and buck allocation shall be determined by MSRNF.
Management During Stay:
• All feeds, water, housing, sanitation, and daily management shall be handled by MSRNF;
• Does shall be monitored daily for health, estrus, and breeding activity;
• Records of breeding dates shall be maintained.
VII. Fees and Cost Sharing
The following fees shall apply:
Particular Amount
Breeding Fee P1,000 per doe
Board and Lodging Fee P100 per doe per day
Duration Up to 30 days (subject to extension if agreed upon by both parties)
Board and lodging fees shall be paid full upon entry and the breeding fee be paid prior to release of the does.
VIII. Responsibilities
MSRNF Responsibilities:
• Provision of high-quality Spanish goat bucks
• Proper feeding, housing, and health management
• Strict implementation of biosecurity protocols
• Accurate breeding and farm records
• Technical supervision throughout the program
Farmer Responsibilities:
• Transport of does to and from MSRNF
• Submission of required health documents
• Compliance with MSRNF rules and schedules
• Payment of prescribed fees
• Acceptance of breeding outcomes without guarantee of conception
IX. Biosecurity and Disease Control Policy
• MSRNF reserves the right to reject or remove any animal that poses a health risk
• No unauthorized entry into breeding areas
• Mixing with outside animals during the stay is strictly prohibited
• Emergency veterinary interventions shall be at the discretion of MSRNF
X. Program Limitations and Disclaimer
• The program does not guarantee conception or kidding rate
• Outcomes depend on animal health, reproductive status, and management factors
• MSRNF shall not be liable for pre-existing conditions undisclosed by the farmer."
Those interested in participating in this program could contact Dr. Roland Fajardo DVM, MSRNF Supervisor, at [email protected].
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