Integration of Sheep in Philippines Smallholder Plantations

[mikey]

Smallholder coconut and other tree plantations predominate the scenario of agriculture in the Philippines.Landholdings of 2ha or less the potential to integrate small ruminants particularly sheep remains high.Native vegetation underneath plantations could support several number of sheep which in terms of liveweight gains or lambs mean additional income.Raising of sheep improves fertility of soil in plantations and does not cause compaction.Raising of sheep,however is not common and as popular as raising goats in the Philippines.In general.most people are use to eating goats meat and prefer it over that of sheep.However,some people who had eaten sheeps meat said it tastes better and is more juicy and tender.
By:F.A. Moog Dept. of Agriculture,Manila,Philippines

[mikey]

In rice based farming system,raising of large ruminants is not commonly practiced as feed supply is limited and fear of crop destruction and source of stock poses problems.Sheep production has great potential as mutton is becoming a popular dish in the Philippines.In a village in Tarlac,intitial study shows that raising of sheep has very bright prospects due to the following reasons.
1-available family labour,children and women take charge of tethering and gathering feeds in their own backyards.
2-sheep are less destructive to crops than goats.
3-market is not a problem as mutton is becoming a favorite dish.
4-presence of fodder trees and initial awareness of farmers on its feeding value.
On the other hand sheep raising would compete for available feeds being given to cattle and carabaos particularly the weeds.
By:E.E. Victorio and F.A. Moog