By: Marah Arquero

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center Research and Development Division and the DA-Livestock Biotechnology Center held a capacity enhancement workshop on crafting livestock biotechnology research methodologies last January 30-31, 2022 at the Training Center, Capiz State University (CapSu), Dayao Satellite College, Roxas City, Capiz.

“All research initiatives will be industry driven and will be addressing the needs of the community.” This was the challenge posed by Dr. Leo Andrew Biclar, CapSU Research Director during his welcom remarks to participants and in the same light, he expressed hope in advancing research and being apprised with the new trends of the animal industry. Along with other research funding institutions as collaborators of the CapSU, he also welcomed the possibility of boosting scientific publications, a current challenge faced by the SUCs.

The capacity enhancement activity was attended by students, faculty-researchers and representatives of the Office of the Provincial Veterinary Office through the effort of the Livestock Research and Development Center Director, Dr. Emely J. Escala. Dr. Escala reported that the CapSU has close partnership with the Bureau of Animal Industry, helping the latter in the field especially that the region has reported cases of African Swine Fever (ASF).

Raymark Paul T. Rigor presented the DA-PCC’s thematic areas for buffalo research, Anne Franchette C. Asuncion discussed about the blood testing for common diseases in livestock, Dr. Arren Christian M. De Guia talked on primer design, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and using online and offline softwares for these tools. Finally, Joel A. Miguel, as requested by Dr. Escala, presented gene marbling and its ties to genetics, nutrition, and farm management.

The activity was also attended by Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Director of the DA-Biotechnology Program Office who listened and critiqued capsule proposals of the participants. Dr. Mingala stressed that the biotechnology is just an option in addressing pressing problems especially in the livestock industry and that there are also other initiatives being pursued by the DA such as organic and traditional agriculture.

Participants were able to craft and present their capsule proposals and were subsequently offered suggestions by the DA group.