DUMAGUETE CITY – The Foundation University (FU) in this capital city of Negros Oriental is all set to start next month the government’s multi-million-peso “Itik Pinas” duck-raising project.
The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARD) has allocated PHP5 million for the first Itik Pinas (IP) duck production project in the province, according to Jobert Kleine Koerkamp, dean of the FU College of Agriculture.
Koerkamp said the project was approved in March but had to go through several processes, such as erecting structures and preparing the farm and hatchery before the actual breeding, which begins next month.
“Itik Pinas” is a superior breeder duck native to the Philippines with three hybrids – Itim, Khaki, and Kayumanggi (black, khaki, and brown).
He added that Kayumanggi is the most sought-after as they are particularly for making “balut” (fertilized egg embryo that is boiled or steamed).
Koerkamp said they would receive 1,600 eggs from the Bureau of Animal Industry - National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center in Tiaong, Quezon, as live fowls are still not allowed entry in Negros Oriental.
He assured that strict bio-security measures are in place to prevent diseases, such as avian influenza, from entering the province.
He said the eggs would be hatched in a farm owned by the FU in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, where a portion has been designated for the duck production project.
Under the project, FU’s College of Agriculture will first breed the native ducks from the hatched eggs.
Koerkamp explained that they would segregate the male and female ducks for breeding and the rest for laying eggs.
“By the end of the first quarter of next year, hopefully, we will have Itik Pinas Kayumanggi that people can buy for their projects,” he added.
The FU will also have a separate IP duck breeding project to further increase breeding stocks and complement the government-funded project. (PNA)
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