Goats, sheep to be imported to boost local herd

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved the importation of breeder goats and sheep to enhance the livestock industry, particularly the local herd in Mindanao.

In a statement Wednesday, the DA revealed it had authorized the importation of 1,520 breeder goats and 4,310 sheep to improve the genetic quality of domestic livestock and promote more sustainable meat production.

The imported goats will include 155 Anglo-Nubian bucks, 175 Boer bucks, and 1,190 Boer does, which will be distributed to nucleus and multiplier farms in Barili, Cebu, and Makilala, North Cotabato. The sheep, which will be distributed in North Cotabato, will consist of 260 Dorper rams and 4,050 Dorper ewes.

The goats and sheep must be between six and 15 months old, with goats required to weigh at least 35 kilograms for bucks and 30 kilograms for does after quarantine. Sheep must weigh at least 40 kilograms for rams and 35 kilograms for ewes. The imported sheep must also be full-blooded and come from registered farms.

According to the DA, Anglo-Nubian goats, while not heavy milk producers are highly valued for their meat, milk, and hide production. Meanwhile, Boer goats, primarily raised for meat, are among the most sought-after livestock breeds. US-sourced breeder goats can sell between $800 and $5,000 depending on quality, while Dorper sheep, known for their excellent meat production, can sell for $500 to $1,500 each.

The DA said it has yet to schedule the bidding for the importation but noted that funding for procurement has been secured under last year’s budget.