ANIMAL SCIENCE

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LARGE RUMINANT
PRODUCTION AND
MANAGEMENT
(CARABAO)

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CARABAO PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

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

TYPES OF WATER BUFFALO

1. 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.
2. Swamp Type - 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.

PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

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.
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.
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.

BREEDS OF CARABAO

 The river type buffaloes particularly the Indian and Pakistani breeds are of the dairy type.
 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 [Link] 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.

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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.

A caracow with a nursing calf can produce 300 to

800 kg of milk during a lactation period of about
180 to 300 days

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.

 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).
 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

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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.

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.

CARE AND MANAGEMENT

Caracalves

 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.
 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.

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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

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.

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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:

a. 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.
b. 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.

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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.

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.

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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 [Link] 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.

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TRAINING OF THE CARABAO, FATTENING, RANCH MANAGEMENT

TRAINING OF THE CARABAO

The natural docility and tameness of the carabao contribute to its early learning ability. Training
should start as early as 2 to 3 years old. Animals at this age can be trained to become submissive and
obedient.
Qualities of the Trainer
1. The trainer must have patience but should always show some degree of superiority.
2. Gentle and humane. Infliction of pain should be avoided as much as possible.
3. The trainer must have the necessary strength and built to carry the job.
4. It is advisable that the person who initiates the training on the first day should carry out the
job to the end to facilitate familiarity between the animal and the trainer.

Training Procedure

1. Before anything else, the carabao must be properly restrained or controlled. This can be
achieved by boring a hole through the nasal septum and affixing a driving line to the septum.
But cast down the animal or fasten its head securely to a post before boring the hole. Treat
the injured septum with disinfectants and fly repellants. Slip a rope through the hole and
make a nose plug or knot at one end of the rope. A nose ring could be slipped through the
septum hole to hold the driving line.
2. Train the animal on the driving line. The single line training is preferable because of the
simplicity with which it is applied. By just pulling which it is applied. By just pulling or jerking
the rope to a certain direction, the animal could be made to respond accordingly.
3. In a gradual manner mount the carabao with the yoke. If on the first day the animal shows
hesitance to yoking do not force it by inflicting pain. Rather, train the animal and familiarize it
with the yoke. Always give time allowances when introducing a lesson.
4. After the carabao gets used to being yoked, train it to pull a cart. Two persons may be needed
to do this. Use a breeching for the rope to prevent it from slipping out of the yoke after
hitching. When the animal feels the burden of pulling the cart there could be difficulty in
hitching it again. To overcome the problem, blindfold the animal before mounting the yoke
and hitching the cart. Repeat the process until the animal no longer object to being hitched.
Later as it gets accustomed to the work, train the animal on other essentials twice daily and at
progressively longer periods. It is highly recommended to gradually expose the trainee to
crowded places, to the noise of the road and the presence of people.
5. Familiarize then the animal with pulling a plow and harrow. Training should be made on soft
ground or loose oil. Always have control of the animal movements with the use of a staff and
rope.
6. Also, accustom the animal to being ridden.
7. Start the carabao to work in the morning or in the afternoon when it is cool.

CARABAO FATTENING

Feedlot fattening of the carabao is one of the fastest ways to increase carabeef production. It is simply
feeding the animal with locally available feeds but are of good quality and least cost. More so, feedlot
fattening becomes especially useful in areas where farm by-products such as sugarcane tops,
pineapple pulp, corn fodder, cover crops and the like are abundant available.

In the Philippines at present carabao feedlot fattening has a very limited scope. The majority of the
carabao raisers are small farmers whose primary purpose for maintaining 1 to 3 carabaos is for draft.
A secondary purpose is to cell them eventually for meat. The term of its service on the farm however,
depends on its efficiency as a worker or when there is an exceptional price offered for it.
Both the cattle and carabao are usually fed and fattened on the available crop residues during the
season. In certain barrios of Batangas, crop residues and weeds are supplemented with commercial
starter mash at a rate of about 1.5 to 2 kilograms a day.

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The following are the classes of carabaos fattened for the market:
1. Retired work animals on account of old age, and viciousness.
2. Feeder stock about 2-1/2 to 3 years of age, home grown or purchased in the market.
3. Carabaos below 3 years old but not suited for breeding or work purposes.

Advantages of Feedlot Fattening:

1. Fast turnover of capital. Fattening of carabaos may be attained in the reasonable length of
time depending on management and nutrition.
2. The animals are less prone to disease because of limited time spent on the farm.
3. Profitable utilization of farm by-products generally going to waste.
4. Housing of feeder stock does not need a big area. In open lot confinement, the suggested floor
space allowance is 4.0 to 4.7 sq. m. per mature feeder, 2.8 to 3.7 sq. m. for yearling and 1.8
to 2.8 sq. m for caracalves.
5. Management is relatively simple. For backyard fattening, the phases of management involve
only feeding the fattener with any cheap by-products, forage or some concentrates available.
When the animal is ready for marketing or if a lucrative price is offered for it, then the animal
is sold. However, management under commercial scale is more intricate. Apart from the
regular purchase of feeds and following of the feeding program, other practices involved are
buying of stocks, medication and marketing of fattened animals.

Disadvantages of Feedlot Fattening:

1. The need for large capital investment. This however holds true only for the commercial
scheme of fattening where large amount of money is needed for the periodic purchase of feeds
and stocks. Under backyard fattening, when only one or two carabaos are involved, the
problem is not usually encountered. In fact, fattening becomes only incidental, that is when
work animals are retired from the farm.
2. The need to have skills in buying and selling of stocks. This statement is true when feedlot
fattening exists as a true business or in a commercial scale.
3. In the money in carabao feedlot fattening whether it is in a backyard or commercial scale.
However, its success depends mainly on three factors:

There is money in carabao feedlot fattening whether it is in a backyard or commercial scale. However,
its success depends mainly on three factors.

a. Feeds and feeding. The profit from feedlot fattening greatly depends on the feeds and labor
costs to produce a kilogram weight gain. The labor cost may not be very significant in the
backyard scale, but for commercial or semi-commercial scale, the length of the fattening
period has a profound effect on the cost of production.
b. The feeder stocks should have that inherent capacity to fatten at a much shorter period of
time. Retired animals may not compare with the young feeder stocks, but they are feedlot
fattened in order to improve the market value.
c. Feedlot facilities. Under backyard conditions, the carabao may just be housed under a nipa
shed, however, it should provide the necessary facilities for its protection and comfort. Floor,
feeding and watering spaces should always be given important considerations regardless of
the scheme (commercial or backyard).

A. In an open shed, the beam of the roofing should at least be 3.05 m high to allow adequate
ventilation and cooling.
B. Fencing in an open lot should at least be 1.2 to 1.5 m high and strong enough to hold animals.
For backyard raising, the animals may just be tethered securely to a post or in the field, but
must have access to feeds and water.
C. Adequate watering and feeding trough. For caracalves weighing up to 200 kg the top of the
feed bunk should be about 46 cm high. For older animals, the height of the feed bunk should
be 61 to 76 cm or less. The depth of the bunk should be 25 cm to minimize feed losses and to
make feeds readily available. Feeding space for calves should be about 46 cm per head and
for older animals, 61 to 76 cm. Provide at least 30 cm of watering space for every 10 heads if
the open tank is used.
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Management Tips

1. Buy only properly registered animals.

2. When buyinig feeder stock, consider the animal’s potential to gain weight and ability to fatten
at the shortest possible time.
3. Bigger animals will have higher dressing percentage (43 to 46% carcass yield) than smaller
ones due to differences in the skeletal framework.
4. As feeder stock, fatten carabaos that are approximately 2-1/2 to 3 years old and weighing
about 250 to 300 kg.
5. Fatten animals that are free from diseases and parasites. Thin animals are not necessarily
unhealthy. Oftentimes they are just underfed especially during summer. Avoid buying animals
with bloated bellies as they may be difficult to fatten.
6. Minimize animal shrinkage during transport from the market to the feedlot and vice-versa at
market time. Truck beddings and dividers are a must. Animals that are lying down should be
made to stand otherwise they will end up as downers.
7. For the newly purchased feeders, unload animals as quietly as possible. Allow the animals to
rest and adjust to new surroundings. Water and feed should always be accessible.
8. Examine the health condition of the animal.
9. Group animals according to size, age and sex. Small animals will definitely be at a
disadvantage when grouped with bigger ones especially at feeding time. Carabulls will breed
caracows in heat; this will interfere with his fattening period. Buyers should not buy pregnant
animals for slaughter.
10. Animals that are wild should be handled gently. Avoid undue excitement to prevent stress.
11. Deworm all newly purchased animals.
12. Administer vitamin A preparations every month if economically feasible to facilitate tissue
build-up and feed efficiency.
13. Give 15 to 20 kg of fresh palatable forage per animal per day. This amount of feed (dry matter
basis) is equivalent to about 2% of the animal’s liveweight. Concentrate ration consisting of
copra-molasses-rice bran will constitute a good concentrate feedlot ration. Concentrate is
usually given at a rate of about 2 to 3% of the ody weight.
14. Feed the animals at least twice a day rather than give them a whole day’s ration in one
feeding. This system minimizes waste and spoilage of feeds and consequently, improves the
animal’s efficiency.
15. Keep records. The following items should be properly recorded for efficient feedlot
management.
 a. feed costs
 b. daily feed consumption
 c. source of the animals, date of arrival, initial weights and market weights
 d. health condition
 e. labor inputs
16. Sell fattened animals on a weight basis. Survey the livestock market for the prevailing market
price and prospective buyers.
17. Plan ahead. Preparation for the next crop should be done before selling the animals in the lot.

MANAGEMENT OF CARABAOS IN THE RANCH

Raising carabaos in the ranch is essentially the same with raising cattle in a similar adaptation.
However, the availability of creeks, river or mud hole should be considered because of the inherent
nature of the carabao to wallow. Pasture management in particular should also be carefully
[Link] rolling and elevated land site is a requisite for a good ranch.

REQUISITES OF A GOOD RANCH SITE:

1. Location. There should be an extensive space with more area for expansion. It must be easily
reached by transportation and near marketing outlets.

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2. Topography. Gently rolling and elevated land for good drainage is desirable. Hilly lands of not
more than 30 degrees maybe used but steep areas and ravines should be avoided or fenced
out.
3. Availability of water. Safe rivers, springs, and creek are highly desirable for drinking and
cooling. Carabaos, if not provided with clean running water, usually drink from where they
wallow. These animals usually defecate and urinate while wallowing . Presence of trees in the
immediate vicinity for shade is important.
4. Soil and vegetation. Soil in the ranch must be capable of growing improved grasses and
legumes all year round. The forage crops grown must not only be palatable and nutritious but
must be free from toxic substances, drought resistant and capable of withstanding trampling.

MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS

Under improved practice, it is recommended that carabaos raised in the ranch be grouped into herds
such as caracalves, pregnant herd, breeding herd and fatteners. The practice will overcome the
problem of competitive consumption of feed on account of size differences and insufficient space
requirement. It also minimizes early calf mortality and facilitate the recording and identification of
animals.

PRODUCTION FACILITIES

1. Cooling facilities. It has been shown that carabaos provided with cooling facilities have
improved daily weight gain, milk production and to some extent its breeding performance,
especially in the estrus cycle. Cooling facilities maybe provided by means of a safe mudhole or
stream. Bathing the animal with water through hose or sprinklers as well as provision for
shade trees in the pasture or corral can also provide a cooling effect on the animal.
2. Working corral, squeeze chute and scales. A working corral is a yard used for a closer
examination of the animal especially during drafting, weighing, dehorning, castration,
drenching, vaccination, A.I. and pregnant testing. The yard should be built in a well drained
area and where carabaos can easily be herded in. Other essential fixtures in the carabaos’
yard are the scales and squeeze [Link] use of a weighing scale is very essential especially
where treatment or for determining the animal’s performance. The platform, cage and closing
gates should be on the scale. In this way, it is possible to obtain the correct weight of the
animal even if it leaning by the cage or pushing back through the [Link] squeeze chute is
very necessary to restrain the animals properly and also to save labor and time in handling
them. Preferably, a space of 2 cm is necessary to accommodate a single animal. This comes
after the scale, as it is most appropriate to weigh the animals to give it the right dosage of a
drench or medicine.
3. Sheds. It must provide comfort and protection to the animals. Shed building should have a
north-south orientation so that it allows only enough sunshine in shade to keep it dry and
sanitary.A feeding trough or mineral box built within the shed should be protected from the
rain and other [Link] roofing maybe made out of hay or nipa to give the cooling effect.
Hay roofing is made up of a 15cm layer of coarse hay held in place between two layers of
woven wire fencing.
4. Fencing. Since proper utilization of pastures calls for sub-dividing the area into paddocks, then
fencing these areas is a necessity. The following are requirements and specifications for a
secured fencing:
 a. Fencing materials should be strong and durable. The posts maybe of two kinds: the treated
and the live post. For treated posts, molave, yakal, guijo and mangkano are good example
while for live posts we can use the dapdap, ipil-ipil, kapok and kalumpang.
 b. Posts should be buried at 60 to 76cm below and 1.22 m above ground.
 c. A distance of 4 to 5 m between posts is recommended. If the distance of the posts is more
than the recommended length, battens are necessary to keep the wire spacing turgid.
 d. The wire to be used in fencing should have the necessary strength to withstand trampling
and charges of the animals. The barbed wire is commonly used in fencing because of its
strength and availability. But it is more expensive than using plain wire or gauge number eight
or nine. On the other hand, it is recommended to use a combination of the plain and the

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barbed wire with the plain placed above the barbed wire. A three to four strands of wire would
be sufficient to control the animal movement.

CARABAO PASTURE AND HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT

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
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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.

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HEALTH PROGRAM FOR CARABAOS

A. BEFORE BREEDING

 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.
 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.
 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.
 Inject Vitamin ADE to improve the reproductive performance.
 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

 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.
 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.
 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.
 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 [Link] genitalia with mild antiseptics like diluted Lysol or
potassium permanganate solution
.
D. CALVES UP TO WEANING

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

COMMON INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF CARABAO

1. Hoof and Mouth Disease (HMD)

 Causes: Virus. Types identified in the Philippines A, O, C

 Mode of Transmission: Direct and indirect contact with naturally infected animals, carriers,
implements and other infected materials. Blister fluid, saliva and other bodily discharges
highly infective.
 Symptoms: Fever. Vesicles and erosion in between hooves, coronary band (junction between
skin and hoof), teats and udder, oral mucosa and tongue. Raw ulcerations follow rupture of
vesicles; stringy or foamy salivation, smacking of the lips, difficulty in feed ingestion;
staggering gait and lameness. Abortion in pregnant animals.
 Prevention/Control: Immediate notification of the authorities. Designation of quarantine
areas and restricted movement of animals; disinfecting area with virucidal agents (commercial
disinfectant or lye, caustic soda). Animals should be kept on dry ground and lesions treated
with mild antiseptics or alum. Mass immunization and effective restriction in movement of
animals and carriers is necessary.
2. Hemorrhagic septicaemia

 Causes: Actual : Bacteria (Pasteurella multocida)

 Predisposing: Climatic stress, fatigue, transport, nutritional and parasitic stresses, etc.
 Mode of Transmission: Ingestion or inhalation of infective agent. May be normally present in
the nasopharyngeal area but predisposition causes flare-up of infection.
 Symptoms: High fever, loss of appetite.
 Respiratory distress; salivation, nasal discharge, swelling of throat and brisket, congestion
of mucous membrane, diarrhea becoming bloody later.
 Prevention/Control:
 Prophylactic vaccination
 Removal of predisposition when possible.
 Early treatment with parental antibiotics and sulfa drugs.

3. Anthrax

 Causes: Bacteria (Bacillus anthracis)

 Mode of Transmission:
 Direct ingestion of infected material, biting flies.
 Indirect through contact with materials and other carriers.

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 Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever depression and loss of appetite. Swelling of chest, head,
belly and legs, bloody diarrhea. Death common even in early stages. Colic, abortion in
pregnant animals, blood stained discharges, convulsions
 Prevention and Control: Vaccination in areas where anthrax is endemic. Dead animal should
be cremated or buried deeply under a layer of lime. Antibiotic treatments is effective only in
early and less acute cases.

4. Blackleg

 Causes: Bacteria (Clostridium chauvoei)

 Mode of Transmission: Infection initiated by trauma of the body and oral mucosa
 Symptoms: Sudden deaths in acute cases. Less acute: depression, fever, rapid respiration
and suspended rumination. Typically, hot painful swelling in thigh and leg muscles. Cracking
sensation on palpation of swellings due to gas in tissues. Lameness in affected limb.
 Prevention and Control: Vaccination. Cremation of carcasses. Early isolation and treatment
with massive doses of antibiotics.

5. Brucellosis

 Causes: Bacteria (Brucella abortus). Predisposing: Climatic stress, fatigue, transport,

nutritional and parasitic stresses, etc.
 Mode of Transmission: Ingestion of contaminated feed and water. Aborted fetus, fetal
membranes, placenta, urine and uterine discharge are main sources of infection. Infected
carabulls may transfer disease through natural/artificial breeding.
 Symptoms: Infertility. Abortion, retained placenta, persistent vaginal discharge. In males,
swollen and painful testicles with subsequent infertility/sterility. Respiratory distress;
salivation, nasal discharge, swelling of throat and brisket, congestion of mucous membrane,
diarrhea becoming bloody later.
 Prevention and Control: Blood tests and removal of infected animals. Antibiotic medication,
impractical. Vaccination may be tried. Infective materials discarded properly; contract with
carrier avoided. Removal of predisposition when possible. Early treatment with parental
antibiotics and sulfa drugs.

6. Actinomycosis

 Causes: Actual: Fungus (Actinomyces spp.) Predisposing: Injuries in the oral mucosa
 Mode of Transmission: Causal organism common in environment. Carriers such as flies may
transmit organisms to other animals through open wounds.
 Symptoms: Immovable form swelling involving bony structure of the jaw and face. May
extend to involved soft tissues with exudation of sticky yellow pus. Closed swelling become
larger without exudation (tumorous). May involve udder and skin.
 Prevention and Control: Treatment requires veterinary assistance. Veterinarian should be
consulted.

7. Foot rot

 Causes: Actual: Bacteria (Spherophorus necrophorus) Pre-disposing: wounds in the hoof,

wet and muddy ground.
 Mode of Transmission: Organism normally common in wet ground rich in organic matter
and humus. Requires injuries and open lesions of hoof to infect.
 Symptoms: Sudden lameness when acute. Typical to see foul smelling ulcers. Interdiginal
cleft swollen and painful, may worsen to cause fever and other systemic signs.
 Prevention and Control-Hooves should be treated early with antiseptic (5% copper sulfate
(5-10% formalin; tincture of iodine, etc.). animal should be kept on high dry ground.

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8. Bacterial scours in caracalves

 Causes: Actual: Multiple bacterial agents. Predisposing: dietetic and environmental stressors
(chilling, wet muddy yard, insanitary quarters).
 Mode of Transmission: Multiple: direct infection from infected or contaminated udders;
navel infection in calf, genital or intrauterine infection of dam; contaminated environment.
 Symptoms: Occurs as early as 24 hours after birth. Pasty yellowish white feces later
becoming more liquid with fermented or pungent odor. Calf weak with sunken eyeball,
unsteady gait, and rough coat. Mortality due to dehydration very high.
 Prevention and Control: Proper nursing in clean dry environment necessary. Colostrum
important to calf. Early cases respond to antibiotic

9. Calf pneumonia

 Causes: Actual: Multiple bacterial agents

 Mode of Transmission: As in the bacterial scours
 Symptoms: Fever, inability to suckle, nasal discharge, coughing and respiratory distress.
Gradual emaciation. May terminate as scours pneumonia combination. Death common.
 Prevention and Control: As in bacterial scours. Treatment requires parentenal antibiotic of
sulfa injections.

10. Leptospirosis

 Causes: Leptospira spp.

 Mode of Transmission: Direct – organisms passed out in urine.
 Symptoms: Depression, fever, dark red urine, yellowing of mucosa (jaundice) abortion in
many pregnant animals. Requires laboratory test for confirmation.
 Prevention and Control: Regular blood test. Vaccination. Isolate and treat cases with
antibiotics. Environmental sanitation and disinfection.

11. Tetanus

 Causes: Actual: Bacteria (Clostridium tetani)

 Mode of Transmission: Direct infection due to introduction of organism in wounds. Not
contagious to other animals.
 Symptoms: Early stages characterized by rigidly and stiffness of muscles; stilty gait. Late
stages with titanic convulsions, prolapse of 3rd eyelid, stiff tail, head and neck thrown back,
hyperexcitability. Bloat and other nervous signs.
 Prevention and Control: Treat wound with antiseptics until completely healed, use clean
difficult to treat. Give prophylactic ATS or tetanus toxoid injections. Late stages difficult to
treat.

12. Ephemeral

 Causes: Virus
 Mode of Transmission: Through bites of bloodsucking insects.
 Symptoms: Stiffness of gait, lameness, fever.
 Prevention and Control: Supportive treatment like administration of antibiotic and vitamins.
Control biting insects.

13. Parasitic gastroenteritis

 Causes: Various species of parasitic nematodes in the digestive tract. Caracalves and
yearlings most susceptible.
 Mode of Transmission: Commonly through direct infection with parasitic larval stages
through herbages; less commonly through skin penetration and intrauterine infection.

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 Symptoms: Poor body condition, anemia, diarrhea, potbelly and weakness.

 Prevention and Control:
 Regular deworming with effective anthelmintics (tetramisole, parbendazole, thibendazole,
pyrantel, etc.) Pasture rotation and improved feeding practices.

14. Parasitic pneumonia

 Causes: Dictyocaulus spp. (adult stages in the bronchioles of lungs)

 Mode of Transmission: Infection with the parasite in the larval stage through herbage.
 Symptoms: As in parasitic gastroenteritis for general signs. Specific symptoms include
persistent husky coughing, respiratory distress.
 Prevention and Control: Regular deworming with tetramisole. General prevention as in
parasitic gastroenteritis.

15. Liverflike infection

 Causes: Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica. Requires intermediate host (Lymnea auricularia)
 Mode of Transmission: Direct infection through ingestion of parasitic stage (metacercaria)
attached in gasses. Presence of this stage related to availability of snail host. Common in low-
lying water logged areas, rivers, streams and stagnant pools.
 Symptoms: Symptoms similar to parasitic gastroenteritis.
 Prevention and Control: Regular deworing with flukecides, control of snails hosts; pasture
improvements, keep animals away from known infected sources of herbage. Deworming at
proper intervals (3-4 times a year) only practical [Link] veterinarian for proper
drug, dosage and intervals.

16. Coccidiosis

 Causes: Protozoa (Eimeria spp.) Generally not a primary condition but exists with other
enteric diseases.
 Mode of Transmission: Direct infection by ingestion of infective stage (oocyst). Thrives in
moist damp and unsanitary areas.
 Symptoms: Common only in caracalves and yearlings. Diarrhea later becoming bloody and
profuse; dehydration and anemia.
 Prevention and Control: Clean environment and general sanitation. Treat with sulfa drugs
only.

17. Pediiculosis (lice infestation)

 Causes: Common sucking louse (Haematopinus spp.)

 Mode of Transmission: Direct contact with other infested animals. Egg to mature stage
occur on the animal.
 Symptoms: Itchiness characterized by scratching and later poor thriving.
 Prevention and Control: Regular spraying with effective insecticides (Neguvon, Ciodrin,
Asuntol, Malathion etc.)

18. Mange

 Causes: Sarcoptic, psoroptic or chorioptic mites

 Mode of Transmission: Direct and indirect contact with infected animals.
 Symptoms: Marked itchiness and irriration with animals constantly rubbing or licking affected
areas. Maybe patchy or generalized. Skin becomes hairless, thickened or scabby.
 Prevention and Control: Deworm calves at 30 days and again a month later. Use Piperazine
preparation.

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19. Ascariasis

 Causes: Neoascarist vitulorum

 Mode of Transmission: From infected dam to young ones prenatally and through milk, also
ingestion of infective eggs.
 Symptoms: Progressive deterioration of body condition; inappetence, dullness and may suffer
from colic with or without diarrhea.
 Prevention and Control: Deworm calves at 30 days and again a month later. Use Piperazine
preparation.

20. Surra

 Causes: Trypanosoma evansi

 Mode of Transmission: Through bites of bloodsucking insects.
 Symptoms: Fever and progressive loss of body weight. Survival rate for mature and healthy
animals is high.
 Prevention and Control: Administer Ganaseg 3 – 5 mg/kg/body weight in a 10%
solution intramuscularly.

CARABAO MARKETING AND FINANCING

MARKETING

Carabao marketing in the Philippines is not organized and usually more to the advantage of the
middlemen.
Several middlemen undertake trading function. Considered important channels of distribution, are
barrio agents, shippers, Manila based buyers (dealers and butcher-retailers) and meat retailers. The
existence of so many middlemen in the distribution network is disadvantageous to both the producers
who received relatively low price for their products and the consumers who pay relatively high price
for meat products.

Studies have shown that in carabao marketing, profit as percentage or gross margin ranged from 60
to 88%. Marketing efficiency can be increased by reducing the number of stages in the marketing
channels and increase direct selling from producers to butcher-retailers or processors. The
components of marketing margin and middlemen’s income statements implied that the assertion of
producers and consumers that middlemen are making excessive profits maybe justified, if not that the
unquantifiable risks like death losses, unforseen shrinkage and price changes curtail the expectation of
profit.

Improper handling of the animals during transport results in about 15 to 20% shrinkage of weight,
death losses and also inferior carcass quality. The majority of the carabaos from the different
provinces of Luzon are brought to Manila either by trucks or train. Carabao from the Visayas,
Mindanao, and Mindoro are transported by ships.

Factors that influence the degree of shrinkage during transport:

1. Length of the journey.

2. Degree of comfort en route.
3. Kind and amount of feeds used
4. Degree of finish of the carabao
5. The fill at market
6. Condition of the animal at loading time.

Tips on Pre-Shipment of Carabaos

The animals must be handled carefully prior to and during transport to avoid such incidents as
downers on account of fractures and decreased market value because of bruises attributed to fighting,

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and high shrinkage. The following measures are suggested to avoid untoward development in
transport:

a. Provide adequate loading facilities. These will prevent loading difficulties and stresses.
b. Provide adequate bedding. Litters such as rice straw, rice hulls, etc. are good bedding
materials. For a firm footing to prevent slippage, scatter a layer of sand on the floor.
c. Examine the vehicle before loading. Compartments where animals are to be kept during the
transport should be free from any sharp objects or protruding nails or cracks and broken
boards.
d. Load and unload the animals quietly. Unnecessary noise or pain inflicted on the animal should
be avoided while loading or unloading. Carabaos, if scared and provoked have tendencies to
become vicious which could result to accidents dangerous to animals or the handler. Also,
scared animals are difficult to unload.
e. Avoid overloading and underloading. Overloading of animals easily results to fighting, bruising,
crippling or even death. However, underloading also have the same results.
f. Feeding of roughage only could result to high shrinkage. Concentrates should be given to
improve the condition of the animal and at the same time minimize shrinkage.
g. Prior to marketing the necessary credentials such as health certificates, permit and brand
inspection should be secured. Compliance with this regulation could avoid delays in shipment
and consequently unnecessary losses.

MARKETING STRATEGIES

1. If backyard carabao producers can organize themselves into a cooperative or association, then
marketing of carabaos can be scheduled to get enough volume and sell direct to processors.
Selling direct to processors will eliminate the unnecessary middlemen and will enable the
producers to get better price for their animals since they are engaged in a regular meat
processing operation.
2. Sell the animals in the auction or livestock markets where the degree of competition among
buyers is high and therefore the price is advantageous. to the producers.
3. Sell the animals on actual live weight basis. This will enable the farmers to get the actual
value of their animals if they are properly informed of the existing market price for different
grades.
4. In distant areas where auction or livestock market is not available and producers association is
absent, farmers should sell directly to butcher-retailers or shippers on a liveweight basis to
eliminate the unnecessary market intermediaries.

In the absence of a weighing scale, the liveweight of the carabao can be estimated. The weight is
significantly correlated to the height and the midriff girth. The height of the carabao is the vertical
distance between the ground and the top of the withers. The midriff girth is the circumference of the
abdominal region going over and around the back of the ventral midline at about the umbilicus or in
front of the prepuce in the male.

In taking the estimated weight consider the measurements when the animal is at its normal and quiet
stand.

END OF REVIEW MATERIAL IN CARABAO PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

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