Center Profile
Sector : Livestock/Research

 GANDARA CARABAO CENTER
Brgy. San Agustin, Gandara, Western Samar

VISION

 A Research and Development Network effectively responding to the technological needs for agricultural development of the Eastern Visayas Region.

MANDATE

 To orchestrate the Regional Agricultural Research and Development/Extension System, generate agricultural technologies, produce quality germ plasm of superior breeder stock and provide technical assistance for the productivity and the improvement of the living standard of livestock raisers/farmers in Eastern Visayas.

GOAL

 Production of a superior breed of carabao stock and improved germ plasm of forage grasses through research and development to ultimately support the livestock (carabao) development activities in Eastern Visayas.

 OBJECTIVES

 General

 To establish and develop the station as research and production center (for carabao) in Region VIII.

  Specific

Ø       To evaluate the production and reproduction performance of purebreed meat and dairy type carabao (Murrah Buffalo).

Ø       To produce and maintain quality germ plasm of improved forage grasses.

Ø       To develop/provide a sustainable technology on small-scale carabao breeding scheme (village level) sustainable for carabao raisers/farmers in the region.

Ø       To upgrade the native carabao stock through Artificial Insemination.

Ø       To disseminate information on animal breeding, information on health management and technology package on carabao production.

THRUSTS

Ø       Technology and Information Generation

Ø       Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Ø       Provision of Quality Germ plasm

Ø       Production of Superior Breeder Stock

Ø       Station Development

Ø       Human Resource Development

REGULAR PROGRAMS

Ø       Research  and Development

Ø       Production

Ø       Extension, Education and Training

Ø       Human Resource Development

Ø       Program Management

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (from January 2001 to March 2001)

Ø       Animal Dispersal

Three breeders, Bulgarian Murrah Buffalo were dispersed to members of Gandara Dairy Carabao Production and Processing Cooperative.

Ø       Enhancing Artificial Dissemination Technology

Thirty carabaos were inseminated.  Two calves were produced by Artificial Insemination at LGU-Gandara.

Ø       Production Support Pasture

Four hectares were cleared for pasture area.  One hectare was applied with fertilizer.

Ø       Animal Health

Fifty one carabaos in the Center were treated with Cedectine to control external and internal parasites. 

Hays and fresh grasses as feeds were hauled.  Animals and their sheds were cleaned.

MANPOWER COMPLEMENT

Existing Pasture Areas (Improved)                       18 hectares

Stock Inventory of Carabaos                                49

INFRASTRUCTURES (All are functional except when indicated)

1         Administration building

1           Laborers’ quarters

4          Animal sheds

1     Bodega & Catching chute

TRANSPORT/EQUIPMENT

            RP jeep

            Motorcycle DT-125 (for repair)

            Grass chopper

            Bush cutter

            Electric water pump

            Weighing scale-10 kg

OTHER INFORMATION

            Farm name                                            :  Gandara Carabao Center

            Former name                                         :  Gandara Breeding Station

            Address                                                 :  San Agustin, Gandara, Western Samar

            Farm-in-Charge                                     :  Recto S. Codera

            Date established                                    :  1978

            Established/Acquired through                  :  Memorandum Agreement

            Status of land ownership                         :  Absolute Deed of Donation

            Development Zone R & D thrust               :  Livestock (Carabao)

            Area                                                     :  40 hectares

            Accessibility  :                                                                                       

                                                Distance from                Means of Transportation

                  Catbalogan                   36 km                      Land transportation

                  Calbayog City                36 km                      Land transportation

                  National Highway         100 m

                  Main Center                    3 km

            Availability of  :

                   Communication facility                     :  Handheld radio

                   Water system                                 :  Deep well

       Electricity                                        :  Samar Electric Cooperative  Inc.

                                                                  (SAMELCO)

             Climate

                   Average annual rainfall                    :  226.30 mm

                   Minimum temperature                     :  28.08⁰C

                   Maximum temperature                     :  32 ⁰C

                   Relative humidity                             :  79.95%

                   Wet months                                    :  July to December

                   Dry months                         :  January to June

            Soil Type/Land Form

                   Soil type/series                               :  Catbalogan clay loam

                   Soil pH                                           :  6.0

                   Topography                                    :  Hilly

                   Elevation                                        :  1.5 meters below sea level

            Natural Drainage                                    :  Moderate

            Fencing                                                 :  Existing perimeter & divisional fences

CONTACT PERSONS

                         RUFINO B. AYASO III
                   EVIARC Manager

                        Main RIARC

                        Brgy. Bagong Silang, Babatngon, Leyte
                        Tel./Fax no. (053) 321 – 3154
                        Email: daeviarc@tac.webling.com

                  LEO P. CAÑEDA, CESO III
                  Regional Executive Director
                  Department of Agriculture
                  Regional Field Unit No. VIII
                  Tacloban City
                  Tel. No. (053) 321 – 2024
                  Fax No. (053) 321 - 7242