Carabao Production: Introduction, Breeds

Carabao (Bubalus bubalis) is commonly raised livestock specie in the Philippines and Region VII in particular. Generally considered as a backyard activity among farmers, this domesticated animal has gained remarkable importance in the past years as a vital component in food sustainability and income to farmers. Problems that bese carabao raisers are oftentimes location-specific, hence this techno guide for farmers.

This commodity-focused reading material forms part of the Department of Agriculture’s effort in updating the farmers knowledge in livestock production to help improve their production output.

This guide describes and illustrates the many steps involved in carabao production for both beginners and experienced raisers. This is presented in easy-to-understand terms that would be very useful to trainors and growers alike.

Introduction

The name water buffalo has always been used to connote the state of the peasant economy in Asia and the animal considered as the farmer’s inseparable partner in his farming activities. Its geogra-phical distribution is vast but approximately 97% of the world buffalo population is concentrated in Asia .

The statistical data show that the water buffalo is essential an “Asian animal.” It is the main source of draft power and meat for the small farmers who constitute the overwhelming majority of the total human population of the different countries in Asia.

In the Philippines, the water buffalo population is approximately 2.9 million head of which approximately 72% are used for farm operations.

Water buffaloes are classified into two types: the swamp and the river type. The river type is exemplified by the Indian and sub-continent breeds. This group is considered under the dairy category because it possesses high genetic capacity for milk production. Good river type cows under Philippine conditions produce about 1,384 kg milk for an average lactation period of 287 days.

The swamp type to which the Philippine carabao belongs is distinguished by its natural preference for swamps or marshlands. This type is primarily utilized for farm work. In the Philippines when carabaos are past their period of usefulness at draft animals they are usually slaughtered and the meat is sold as carabeef. Due to old age of the animals the meat is inferior in quality and has developed a prejudice among consumers. But when carabaos are fed, managed and slaughtered at the same age as cattle, the meat is as good as beef.

Problems and Prospects

Carabao production can very well be integrated with crop farming. However, its potential for draft, milk and meat has not been fully exploited on account of several technical problems which limit its productive efficiency and utilization.

The major constraints of efficient carabeef production which require intensive and sustained research are the following:

1. Poor reproductive capacity. Carabaos are late maturing animals with a long gestation period and calving intervals. They exhibit weak estrous phenomena, or “silent heat” which makes detection of estrus difficult. There is, therefore, a great need for intensive research on all aspects of its reproductive physiology.

2. Low productivity. Poor feeding and management practices contribute to low calf crop (40-45%), low milk and meat yield, and poor draft capacity. Since carabaos are known to be efficient converter of low quality roughages, coordinated research efforts are necessary to develop the technology at the farm level for maximum utilization of farm level for maximum utilization of farm by-products such as rice straw, corn stover, sugarcane tops, bagassee, etc.3. High mortality. This is especially true among caracalves, primarily due to the high incidence of infectious and heavy parasitic diseases as well as poor management practices. As rule, health care system and disease prevention practices are not adapted by carabao producers.4. Poor marketing. Inefficient marketing channels and strategies hamper marketing of the carabao and its by-products to the disadvantage of the producers and the consumers. This is compounded by the lack of standardization and classification of live animals and their carcasses and by-products.

5. Unrealistic credit facilities. The financing program for carabao production both from the government and private banks are unrealistic i.e. lending policies and loan requirements are too prohibitive for farmers to comply with. Studies on the credit aspects of carabao production should be undertaken so that our financial institutions can effectively assist carabao producers.

Efforts are now directed towards the improvement of the genetic makeup of the carabao. The upgrading of the carabao using the river type buffalo such as the Murrah and Surti bull or their semen is gaining acceptance among carabao raisers. The grade animal possess better draft/milk/meat capacity than the carabao.

Carabaos are also potential sources of milk. A caracow with a nursing calf can produce 300 to 800 kg of milk during a lactation period of about 180 to 300 days.

The BREEDS

The river type buffaloes particularly the Indian and Pakistani breeds are of the dairy type. On the other hand the swamp buffaloes such as the Philippine carabao and the Thai buffalo, are raised primarily for draft and meat purposes.

The introduction of Indian buffaloes in the Philippines started in June 1917 with the importation of 57 Murrah. After the Second World War, importation of the Indian buffalo mostly of the Murrah breed resumed consisting of 940 head in seven shipments.

Aside from the Murrah, the Surti of Nili/Ravi is being considered for the improvement of the carabao.

A. Swamp Type

A1. Philippine carabao

Philippine origin. The color is light gray in general with two stripes or chevron distinct on the ventral side of the neck, one near the brisket and the other near jaw. Color is lighter on the legs and outside of the body and the ears.

Horn is generally curved outward and inward to form a semi-circle from the base of the head. Upper surface of horns has grooves. Low wide and heavy built body with sufficient type for draft and meat. The average mature weight for male is 500 kgs while the female is 425 kgs with and average milk production of 1.45 – 2.64 kgs per day.

A2. Thai buffalo

Origin in Thailand. Black color and the hair is relatively loan as compared to some other types. Strong and broad bodied animals with prominent muscling in neck chest and back. Massive and strong horn to form a moonlike crescent with ends upwards. Average weight for male and female is 540 kgs and 400 kgs, respectively. Daily average milk production is 0.9-1.0 kg.

B. River Type

B1. Murrah

India by origin. Jet black in color with white switch in the tail; skin texture is soft and fine. Horn is tightly and spirally curled. Massive and stocky built, and light neck and head; short limbs, broad hips and drooping quarter; wedge shape conformation. Udder and teats are well developed; teats are black, long and stout. Male and female average weight is 625 and 525 kgs, respectively with an average milk production of 5 – 7 kg a day.

B2. Surti

Surti originated in India. The color is black or brown. The skin is black or reddish and the hair gray to rusty brown. Horns coil downward and upward to form a hook. Wedge shape conformation. In bulls the front is much more developed while the hind portion is narrow. Average weight for mature male is 499 kgs while the female weighs 408 kgs with 5 – 6 kgs daily milk production.

Selection of Stocks

Success in animal production depends to a certain extent on the right choice of stock to raise. The physical as well as the productive and reproductive performance should be emphasized in the selection. Such criteria may cover the economic traits such as birth weight, pre-weaning growth rate, post weaning growth rate, feed intake and conversion, body conformation measurements, carcass traits, milk yield and draft capacity.

In the selection, however, one should consider the purpose of which the animal is being chosen. He should know which of the animal’s physical traits should be given more points when breeding for draft, for meat or for milk. For example, in the selection of draft/carabeef animal as shown here, more points are given to the parts of the hind quarters followed by the fore quarters followed by the fore quarters and then the general appearance of the animal. Only minimal points are given to the head, neck, and body.

REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY

Carabaos breed throughout the year but the preponderance takes place between the months of August and January.

The dry season usually offsets the fertility of the carabaos. The semen quality is adversely affected, resulting in a poor conception rate of mated females. Also, high incidence of “silent heat” occurs during the dry season.

The sexual maturity of carabaos varies among the animals and sexes. Therefore, it is important to separate the male caracalves from the females shortly after weaning at about 10 to 12 months. This is to prevent premature breeding.

Estrus Period

Studies show that the duration of estrus among carabao, the Murrah and the grade differ from each other. The heat period of carabaos last for about 5 to 36 hours; the Murrahs about 24 to 71 hours; and the grades have an average heat period of about 24 hours. However, the majority exhibit estrus at night.

Carabaos reared under close confinement ovulate 15 hours after the end of estrus, or about 35 hours after the onset of estrus. It is believed that Murrah buffaloes ovulate at about 11 hours after cessation of estrus.

Estrus Cycle

Carabaos raised under close confinement or tethered in the field show signs of heat every 21 + 2 days. Murrah buffaloes come in heat on an average of 21 days.

o First Fertile Mating – The approximate age of the carabao at first mating ranges from 859 (2 years, 4

months) to 885 days (2 years, 6 months). On the other hand, the average age of the first fertile mating of the Murrah buffalo at about 1,582 days (4 years, 4 months). The grade, however, gives birth to her first calf at the age of about 1,178 days (3 years, 3 months).

o Calving Intervals – Carabaos manifest post partum heat 35 days after calving; Murrah and carabao

grades, 49 and 44 days, respectively. The report shows that carabaos and Murrah buffaloes have calving intervals ranging from 1 year to about 3 years and 9 months of an average of about 1-1/2 years. The Murrah  carabao grades were observed to have the same calving intervals.

Gestation Period

The gestation period of carabaos ranges from 320 to 325 days. The Murrah buffaloes and the Murrah carabao grades, however, have n average gestation period of 314 and 317 days, respectively.

Table 2. (click image to enlarge)

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NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS

It maybe deduced that the nutritional needs of carabao is higher than cattle. Studies have shown that Murrah buffaloes fed with a ration computed to meet the USNRC requirement of cattle for growth and milk production did not show any significant response. However, when the rations for growth and lactation were adjusted to 10% and 20 and 40%, respectively, above the USNRC recommendation, results showed significant increases in growth and in milk production.

After the birth of the caracalf, the fetal membrane should be removed from its mouth and nostrils. Sometimes, some fluid may have to be drained from the respiratory tract. This can be done by holding the calf upside down by the hind legs. In some cases, breathing has to be stimulated by artificial respiration.

Within a few minutes after birth, the navel cord should be cut and dis-infected with tincture of iodine. Proper identification can subsequently be done by either earnotching, tattooing, eartagging, or putting a neckchain.

The caracalf should receive colostrums as soon as possible preferably within one hour after birth. Colostrum is the first postpartum mammary secretion of the caracow which is high in antibodies and rich in essential nutrients vital for the survival of the newly born. The surest way to provide calves with colostrums is to milk the dam and then feed the milk to the caracalf.

In backyard and ranch operation calves are normally allowed to go with their dams from birth to weaning age of 8 to 12 months depending on the condition and health of the animals. However, under commercial dairy operation with a herd Murrah or Murrah-carabao grades, calves are usually weaned 3 to 5 days after birth and are fed and trained to drink mixed milk of the herd from a pail. The calves may be put in the pens individually or in groups, nut hey should be allowed exercise in the paddack as often as possible. In backyard carabao dairy production, it is recommended that the caracalf be allowed to go with the dam for

a period of 1 to 2 months before milking. Suggested feeding guides for caracalves in commercial dairy operation is presented in Table 7.

There are several methods of feeding caracalves after the colostral feeding period. Economics and practicability are the two important factors to consider in selecting the method to use. However, the feeding of high protein diet to weaned caracalves 8 to 12 months old is advisable if it is desired to accelerate growth rate to enable the caraheifer to reach sexual maturity earlier. This practice would reduce the usual delayed breeding of the caraheifer for the first time and, consequently dries its first calf earlier.

Caracalves should be fed with caracalf starter at 2 weeks of age. A good caracalf starter should contain at least 18 to 20% crude protein and 75% total digestible nutrient. In addition, it should be palatable. Starting at 2 weeks of age, the caracalves could be fed with some forage like freshly cut grass. Fresh and clean water should be provided at all times.

Some management practices essential to successful caracalf management operation include branding, castration, deworming and vaccination. These could be done all at the same time when the caracalves are about 5 months old or immediately after weaning. These operations should be done during good weather conditions, especially the months of January to June when it is relatively dry.

A sample system of numbering the calves by earnothcing.

Table 6. Suggested Feeding Guide for Caracalves in Commercial Dairy Operation (click image to enlarge)

Tips for Successful Castration Operation

1. Castrate caracalves not suited for breeding purposes when they are about 5 to 6 months old. With work animals, castration maybe delayed delayed until 4 years of age when the extra muscle development of the fore quarter manifest itself as an indication of its masculinity. Rugged fore quarters also give greater strength to the work animals.

2. Fast the carabao for at least 18 hours before castration. However, provide drinking water at all times. Fasted animals suffer less when cast down than unfasted animals with their digestive system distended with feed. Also hemorrhage is lessened if they have been fasted sufficiently before hand.

3. Casting down the carabao before castration is necessary. Sudden fall which may cause injuries to the animals must be avoided.

4. Castration can be done either by the slit or the bloodless method. The slit method actually is the removal of testicles by making an incision on the bottom portion of the scrotal sac. The bloodless castration method, on the other hand, is done with the use of the Burdizzo pincer. The spermatic cord or the blood vessel that supplies the testicle are crushed. The slit method is highly recommended for a humane castration operation.

5. Proper disinfection before and after cutting through the scrotum is a good measure to prevent infection. Tincture of iodine maybe used as a disinfectant. Application of pine tar to the wound repel flies as well.

Branding Tips

1. The branding irons should preferably be made up of copper. This metal retains heat longer than iron and does not rust.

2. The brand to be used should be simple in design for clear print. Branding numbers should be 8 cm in height and letters be 10 cm. Handles of branding iron should be at least 76 cm long for easy handling. Two official brands are usually required: the municipality’s brand to be placed on the left hip and the owner’s brand on the right.

3. Additional brands are exclusively at the discretion of the owner. The bran indicating the year the animal was born is of particular importance especially for steers since age influences their market value. The herd number identifies the different animals in the ranch.

4. Before branding, the animal should first be car down. The animal should be properly restrained to avoid unnecessary damage to the hide which could lower its market value.

5. Heat the brand until it is ash gray in color (bluish). With a steady and firm grip, apply the brand to the desired place. The branding pressure should be steadily regulated to prevent deep branding.

6. Apply pine tar to the wound to eliminate the flies problem. Branding iron should be heated ash gray in color.

Growing-Fattening

Weanling caracalves (8 to 12 months old) may either be sold as feeder caracalves or they may be fed with economical growing rations to gain 0.50 to 0.75 kg per day for sale as yearling or fatteners after three months. They may be fed, too, with high-energy ration and finished as soon as possible for slaughter especially if they are not suited for breeding purposes. The average liveweight of the carabao and Murrah buffalo under Philippine conditions are as follows:

1. Use young bulls only to a very reception female smaller than his size. Difficulties in the first mating may cause the bull to become a shy breeder.

2. Use bulls for breeding when they are about 3-1/2 to 4 years old. This is to ensure that their physical and sexual capability are fully developed. However, younger bulls of about 2-1/2 years old may be used provided they are physically capable. In addition, the number of females to be sired should not be more than 20 caraheifers or caracows per breeding carabull.

3. Carabulls are left to run with the females in the ranch. It is recommended, however, that after the breeding season bulls are separated from the rest of the herd and given rest and supplemental feed for replenishment of vigor.

4. Provide cooling facilities to the bulls for better body heat dissipation. In addition, spermatogenesis will be improved if the bull have cooling facilities. Fertility testing should be practiced if possible.

Good management and better nutrition can prolong the productive life of carabulls from 10 to 15 years, or longer.

Tips of Caraheifer Management

Replacement caraheifers should be separated from the bull until they are ready for breeding. The occurrence of heat should be carefully observed to facilitate breeding and recording. Animals that do not come to heat on their scheduled time should be carefully examined.

The following are suggested breeding practices for caraheifers:

1. In breeding caraheifer for the first time the age-weight relationship is an important consideration. Thus, the heifer should weigh at least 350 kg and the age may range from 2.5 to 3 years.

2. Under close confinement or backyard method, turn the bull to the female in heat or bring the latter to the bull’s quarter, instead. Both should be allowed to stay together without stress until it is markedly observed that the female in heat has been properly serviced.

Carabull/Caracow Ratio

The carabull to caracow ratio largely depends on the mating system adopted. A Murrah buffalo bull can be assigned to 15 to 20 females during the breeding season,

The age and the physical condition of the bull are important factors in determining its female load. With hand mating, only 20 caraheifers a year should be sired by a young bull of about 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 years old. This number maybe increased to 30 when the bull is from 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 years old. At 4-1/2 years of age, the female load for 1 year could be increased to 40 caraheifers or caracows.

Upgrading Practice

Mating the carabao with a breed such as the Murrah or Nili-Ravi is highly recommended. Upgrading can be done either by natural mating or A.I. If natural breeding is practice the carabao and the Murrah must have been raised together for something preferably during calfhood to avoid mating problems.

Artificial Insemination (A.I.)

The use of A.I has a good potential for improving the carabao, however, there are still technical problems that are to be resolved in its use.

The necessary conditions for A.I. to be successful are as follows:

1. Health and nutritional level. Animals that are sickly or infected with disease usually have poor chances of good conception. A good health program such as regular vaccination and deworming are excellent management practices.

Poor spermatogenesis and ovarian activity in the carabao result on account of poor nutrition. A majority of the carabaos are given only rations with crop residues such as rice straw and roadside weeds. Underfeeding and overfeeding the animal result in a poor breeding performance.

2. Heat detection. Early heat detection is necessary to bread the animal at the right time. Heat manifestation in the carabao is less distinct as compared to that in cattle. It is estimated that 30 to 40% of the failures in A.I. is the difficulty in defecting carabaos in heat.

3. Time of insemination. It is recommended that the animals be inseminated 24 to 36 hours after the onset of estrus.

Ovulation takes place 14 to 16 hours after the end of estrus. The recommendation is based on the prompt detection of the onset of heat.

4. Post-partum breeding. The success of A.I. is likely to be ensured if animals are bred at least 60 days after calving. At this time the uterus and other parts of the reproductive system have returned to normal.

Management of Pregnant Herd

Pregnant caracows and caraheifers should be separated from the rest of the herd especially in the last two months of their pregnancy. They must receive adequate supply of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals for their maintenance, growth and fetal growth requirements. Poor nutrition of pregnant caracows/caraheifers usually results in thebirth of weak caracalves that are more susceptible to disease. Moreover, poor nutrition may result to poor milk production, hence, it is advisable to stop milking 2 months before the expected date of calving.

About a week before calving, the caracow/caraheifer should be isolated in a clean and well-bedded maternity stall or clean pasture where she can be closely observed. The most common signs pf approaching calving include udder enlargement and distention of teats, swelling of the vulva, and relaxation of the muscles around the tail head and pin bones. Generally, caracow/caraheifer shows restlessness and isolates herself from the rest of the group when in the open. Although most of the caracows/caraheifers do not need any help during parturition, a good herdsman should always watch them and render assistance whenever needed.

Management of Milking Herd

A native carabao produces an average of 2.2 kg of milk daily for 240 days. Poor nutrition and management, and poor genetic potential for milk are factors that contribute to its poor performance.

However, in spite of its being a genetically poor milk producer, the milk composition of carabaos is better than cattle as shown in Table 8.

Milking Herd in a commercial buffalo dairy farm

A milking shed should be built in well drained grounds to prevent dampness which is a common predisposing factor for diseases and parasites. In the backyard, the shed may be built of native materials like bamboo, nipa and cogon. Most backyard sheds are 2.5 to 3 meters high. However, for semi-permanent shed with G.I. roofing, the height may be 3.0 to 3.7 meters.

Milking carabaos are usually fed based on their body eight, milk production and butterfat produced. For practical purposes, however the milking carabao may be fed roughage ad libitum plus 1 kg of concentrate supplement containing 16 to 18% protein for every 2 to 3 kg milk produced. Mineral mixture (50% steamed bone meal +50% salt) could be fed at the rate of 1 to 1.5% of the concentrate ration. Water should also be provided at all times.

Carabaos under backyard condition tethered under the shade of the tree.

Conditions and Procedure for Milking

For a high milk production, keep the milking carabao from any disturbing factors such as unnecessary noise and sight of strangers. These could highly affect the nervous system and cause the animal to withhold milk.

The milking procedure should be done in a regular schedule with maximum ease and gentleness, quietness and quickness. If possible, maintain a permanent person to milk the animals. Also, proper milking procedure ensures purity and sanitary condition of the product.

The hand milking procedure is as follows:

1. Wash the animals thoroughly especially in the hind quarters. Prepare the udder by washing thoroughly with cloth wrung out of the germicidal solution or soap or 5% chlorox solution. Do not use sponges for washing udders. Washing the udder also aids in stimulating milk ejection. Wash also thoroughly the milk buckets or pails. Seamless, stainless steel or well trimmed pails are easily kept clean and sanitary. It is highly recommended further to use partially covered vessels as containers for milk.

After thoroughly washing the animal and equipment, the milkers should wash his hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry. The milker himself must be free from any communicable diseases or open cuts in the hand.

2. Wipe the udder to dry with clean cloth. While wiping, rub the whole udder at the back and front; this further stimulates the animal.

3. For the first three or four streams of milk from each teat, examine in a strip cup for abnormalities in appearance and consistency. Flaky or stringy milk and or presence of blood clots may indicate mastitis. Any milk showing these signs must not be used for human consumption. The use of the strip cup will aid in detecting off-colored milk. Any milking animals having signs of mastitis should be milked last.

4. The milk in the teats can go back into the udder if correct procedure in milking is not followed. So first, grasp the teat then close the thumb and first finger around the teat to prevent the milk from going back to

the udder. Then close the second finder followed by the third finder. Apply steady pressure and do not jerk the teat down. A slight upward push of the teat is advisable. Finally, close the little finger and squeeze with the entire hand until the milk comes out. Next, release the pressure on the teat can refill

again. Repeat the process with the other hand on the other teats and continue milking alternatively until very little milk comes out. When all of the milk has been apparently produced by straight forward milking, slide the fingers up back of the udder. Then with a gentle kneading motion downwards, work in the fingers from the top of the udder to the top of the teats. Five seconds of this kneading may bring out whatever little milk can be milked out by the normal straight forward milking.

Management of Draft Animals

Even with the advent of mechanized farming, the carabao still plays an important role in major farm operations such as land tillage, hauling and pulling of loads.

Draft animals need to be given proper nutrition to reciprocate its work performance. Apart from the fresh forage and crop residue to be given, supplemental concentrates at a rate of 1 to 2 % of the body weight should be made available. In addition, mineral mixture should be fed at a rate of 1 to 1.5 % of the concentrate mix.

Use male carabaos as draft animals. Such animals, however, should be castrated for easy handling and docility. Females utilized for work are believed to be naturally inferior in performance.

Most small farmers use their milking carabaos also for work. This practice adversely affect milk production. However, it the farmer does b\not own other working animals, the breeding may be timed such that the lactation period will not coincide with the peak of the farm operations.

Carabaos do not perspire because of the absence of sweat glands so, they tire easily, affecting the efficiency of work. To overcome the problem, set the carabao to work as early as five o’clock to ten o’clock in the morning. Give the work animals sufficient feed (grains or forage) and rest in sheds of safe wallows to dissipate body heat.

PASTURE MANAGEMENT

Pasture can be the most economical source of feed for carabao production under ranch operation. But this would entail proper management of the forage land which is essential to maintain its maximum productivity and utilization, and sustain a year round supply of feeds.

Pasture establishment and grazing management

In the establishment of a pasture one has to consider the choice of the land and the species of crops to be propagated, otherwise the purpose for a good pasture management is meaningless. Our pastures can be classified into four types:

1. native pasture

2. native pasture over-seeded with legumes

3. improved pure grass pasture

4. improved grass/legume mixture

Introducing legumes like the stylo and the centrosema to native pastures like cogon and bagokbok land has several advantages. The legume can fix atmospheric nitrogen, provide a higher nutritive value to the pasture and provide additional feed especially during the dry season.

The procedures for introducing legumes into the native pasture are as follows:

1. Burning or overgrazing the area at the end of the dry season.

2. Disturbing the pasture by cultivation or light disking. This will allow contact between the seed and the soil and at the same time set back the native vegetation.

3. Application of phosphorus fertilizer (30 to 60 phosphorus per hectare per year) and liming the area if the soil acidity is lower that pH 5.2.

4. Inoculate the pasture area if necessary.

5. Broadcasting 2 to 4 kg legume seeds per hectare anytime during the wet season.

6. Controlled light grazing in favor of the legumes.

In a native grass-legume mixed pasture, the stocking rate and length of the grazing period should be determined by the legume component. Viny legumes such as the centro requires a

lenient and shorter grazing period while shorter legumes like the stylo can tolerate a heavy grazing pressure.

Two to three hectares of native pastures such as unfertilized cogon land may supply the forage requirement of one adult (2 years old and above) carabao. About 1 to 2 carabaos may be used per hectare in a lightly fertilized area of native grass/legume pastures.

Grazing management on improved pastures should be made rational. The pasture should be divided into a number of paddock and the animals are to be moved systematically from one area to another, rationally. With this system, two animals are allowed to graze per hectare for about 3 to 7 days in each paddock.

However, good fencing should be considered in this grazing management practice. Rotational grazing overcomes the disadvantages of overgrazing and undergrazing of the pasture crops.

On the other hand, continuous grazing is usually employed in most of our cogon or rangelands where fencing is often not economically practical.

The pasture should be uniformly grazed to prevent some parts being undergrazed or overgrazed. Carabaos tend to keep coming back to its usual grazing areas and therefore tend to overgraze them. To minimize this condition, the following recommendations should be considered:

1. Divide the pasture area into smaller paddocks.

2. Burn or mow undergrazed areas.

3. Put up watering/shed facilities in under grazed areas.

4. Herd the animals daily

Silage Making

During the months when forage growth or crop residue is abundant, it is imperative to save the surplus for the lean months. Storage may be done in a silo. Beside the advantage of continues feed supply, silage making improves the palatability of the forage.

Silage making is done by wilting forage to a moisture content of between 65 and 70% and chopped to a desired length. The ensiling material is placed in the silo, compacted and allowed to cure until ready for use even after 10 to 14 days. A good silage has an agreeable odor and is green in color.

HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Herd health management must integrate livestock medicine with modern production technology. The responsibility of a programmed health care and disease control is equally divided between the veterinarian and the livestock raiser. The veterinarian devices such a program with due consideration to the local conditions and resources while the livestock man implements it with optimal supervision to attain healthy, productive animals. Even with good management, diseases or abnormalities could still crop up. Their occurrence must be reported promptly for an early suppression and treatment.

The low population growth rate of carabaos in the country in spite of the efforts to increase the number of the species may be partly attributed to a high mortality rate particularly being calfhood. Sporadic diseases

affecting the mature stocks are common as the carabao population does not get the benefit of an effective disease preventive measures are:

1. Start with healthy stocks. Purchased animals must be rigidly examined for abnormalities, defects or signs of illness; must come from reliable sources of known sturdy parental stocks; and must be under isolation for a minimum of 30 days after purchase.

2. Work-ups for parasite and disease control such as deworming, delousing and immunizations must be done during the isolation period. Consult a veterinarian for effective drugs and chemicals to use as well as their dosages, usage and frequency of application.

3. For the unconfined stock, maintain a similar program with emphasis on their proper application on the continuing basis.

4. Provide adequate quality ration since well-nourished carabaos do not only perform better but are more resistant to infectious and parasitic agents.

5. Give optimum protection from environmental stress by providing proper housing, rest especially under the shade during a long work periods and clean water supply.

6. When individually confined or herd quartered, practice sanitation in the pens. Prompt waste disposal should be done to rid houses and pens of pests and insects which thrive on manure and other wastes.

7. Graze in pasture relatively safe from infective stages of internal parasites particularly, liverfluke. For the latter, snail control and pasture management should compliment regular deworming with an effective flukecide.

8. Deworm regularly for other internal or gastroenteric parasites.

9. Delouse with effective insecticides with due consideration on proper concentration and frequency as recommended by the manufacturer.

10. Unproductive breeding stocks must be culled out of the herd and replaced with tested or potentially good breeders.

11. Conduct regular checks for the presence of parasitic diseases. Consult a veterinarian for diagnostic examinations.

12. During disease outbreaks or when the animal is visibly ill, segregate it immediately and seek immediate veterinary assistance. Intensify efforts of environmental control through sanitation and disinfection of contaminated quarters and utensils.

13. Immunize regularly against diseases prevalent in the area: community vaccinations maybe arranged with the proper authorities way ahead on expected disease outbreaks.

14. Segregate the carabao from other animals like cattle, goat and sheep to avoid intertransmission of the disease among these species.

Health Program for Carabaos

A. Before breeding

A1. If there is a group of animals from which breeders are to be selected, pick out those which are potentially good ones based on physical characteristics, treatment or previous reproductive performance, and pedigree if known.

A2. Blood test the animals for diseases such as brucellosis and leptospirosis. Consult the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) provincial veterinary office or any other veterinary authority for guidance.

A3. Deworm animals with wide spectrum anthelmintics (thibendazole, parbendazole, tetramisole, pyrantel). Where liverfluke is widespread or is confirmed to be present in the animal or herd, treat simultaneously by using drugs like Ranide, Distodin, Fasciolex, Zanel, Avlothane, Bilevon – R, etc. For dosages and methods of treatment, seek veterinary assistance.

A4. Inject Vitamin ADE to improve the reproductive performance.

A5. Vaccinate against diseases prevalent in the area i.e. HMD, hemorrhagic septicemia, blackleg, brucellosis, anthrax. All vaccinations must be spaced out and accomplished preferably before breeding or pregnancy occurs.

B. Pregnancy Period

1. Maintain animal on a high plane of nutrition. Provide nutritional supplements such as minerals and vitamins, if necessary.

2. Inject Vitamin ADE in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

3. At about the last 2 to 3 weeks of pregnancy, deworm against common intestinal roundworms using wide-spectrum dewormers.

C. Calving and Post-Calving

C1. Segregate expectant caracows from the herd at least one week before calving. Provide adequate and comfortable quarters. Avoid unnecessary stresses caused by excitement, transport, unsanitary environment, adversed climatic conditions, etc.

C2. For day old carabeef, cut the umbilical cord and paint the remaining stump with strong tincture of iodine. It must suckle after parturition to receive the colostrums. If the calf is unable to suckle, assist or train it to nurse on the dam.

C3. To reduce post-calving infections, dose the calf orally with neomycin either as a solution or as a bolus. Repeat when necessary or as indicated.

C4. To prevent uterine infections in the dam, antibiotic boluses may be inserted high up into the vagina. Retained placenta (unexpelled beyond 24 hours) must be removed by gentle traction and when unsuccessful, inject pitocin or oxytocin as indicated. Seek assistance of a veterinarian whenever necessary.

Flush genitalia with mild antiseptics like diluted Lysol or potassium permanganate solution.

D. Calves up to weaning

D1. In areas where internal parasitism is common especially ascaris infection, dewrom caracalves as early as 4 to 5 weeks, repeat after 30 days. Dose with piperazine compounds of any equivalent dewormer in their proper dosage.

D2. When necessary, as when caracalves appear weak, unthrifty looking or runty, supplement nursing with multi-vitamin/mineral preparations preferably vitamin B complex. Water soluble nutritional supplements may be made available at all times to the calves.

D3. Since calves are easily infected with lice and other external parasites, spray with insecticides like neguvon, Asuntol, Pfispray, Ciodrin, Sevin, Mitox SP, Malathion, Diazinon or Nankor. Application should be 3 to 4 times at weekly intervals to rid the caracalves.

D4. Vaccinate against diseases prevalent in the area when the caracalf is 6 months or more, preferably before weaning.

D5. Repeat deworming against gastrointestinal parasites at 2 to 3 months and gain immediately before weaning.

E. Yearling-Growing Period

1. When immunity due to previous vaccination has lapsed, repeat the procedure as in A-5.

2. Repeat lice control as in C-3.

3. Treat against liverfluke as in A-3.

o Repeat flukecide treatment every 3 months especially in areas where this parasite is very common.

Where such treatment has considerably reduced the infection, doing may be repeated twice a year thereafter.

4. For sporadic incidence of specific disease, consult a veterinarian for proper treatment and control.