Why do we import breeding stocks of Murrah buffaloes?
The number of purebred Murrah buffaloes in the country available for massive upgrading activities is very limited. The national requirement for good breeding bulls is about 3,000 head. Our existing herd can only produce about 50 head per year of good quality bulls. Carabao meat is perceived to be of lower quality than beef. Does it command lower price? Yes. In our domestic market, carabao meat commands lower price because what is being sold are meat coming from old and retired work animals. However, with the enactment of Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (Republic Act 8485), younger carabaos can now be slaughtered. There are data which show that meat obtained from carabao slaughtered at age 2-3 years of age are passed on as beef. In reality, the meat from carabao is comparable with that from cattle, assuming that both are slaughtered at the same age. In fact, buffalo meat is considered “health” meat, having lower cholesterol than cattle beef and pork. Can we promote raising carabaos for good
