animal science

assignment last semester

INDUSTRY STATUS - CHICKEN

Poultry is the most progressive animal enterprise today. It is one of the world’s major and fastest producers of meat while in the Philippines, it has been a significant contributor to the country's agriculture sector.

In 2010, the chicken population in the Philippines was estimated 159 million,  slightly higher (0.2 percent) than last year’s level.  Layer and native chicken inventory grew by 13 and 2 percent, respectively.  Almost 50 percent of the total chicken population was accounted for native or village chicken raised in backyard farms while the remaining 32.8% (broilers) and 18% (layers) were taken up by commercial broilers.

Despite the level of sophistication it has achieved, the local industry is still faced with problems that deter its further development. The Philippine broiler industry is now faced with the challenge of beefing up production through importation of chicken meat and chicken meat cuts. Although some broiler integrators are exporting increasing volumes of broiler meat, a significant quantity of cut-up broiler meat is also being imported into the country. The continuing importation of leg quarters at dumped prices poses a major problem to local broiler production. The unreasonably low-priced imported leg quarters are causing significant price distortion of broiler meat in the country that is seriously hurting local producers. There is also a wide disparity between farmgate and retail prices of broiler that causes problems particularly to local individual broiler producers.

In addition, among the recent problems encountered by poultry producers worldwide is the apparent reduction of chicken meat consumption that is brought about by the major outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Ebola Reston virus. These events caused the exceedingly high prices of broiler meat and a build up in inventory.

Regardless of the indications of decline of competitiveness in international relations and the huge difficulties in production, the country has efficiently marshaled all resources to prevail over the glitches and the potential of the poultry industry remains high so far.

Problems

‰ The high cost of feed continues to be a limiting factor in the sector’s growth.

‰ Posing a threat for the Broiler Industry is the possible entry of the Bird Flu

virus into the country.

‰ Competition for the local market via smuggled chicken

Assignment last semester part 3...

Dr.Magsino

1 What is OA as you understand it from the general and commonly used definition cited in the IFOAM and FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius?

It is the maintaining or enhancing soil fertility and bringing back the vitality and plant health by utilizing crop rotation, green manuring, cover cropping, natural based products and opposing the usage of agro-chemicals.

2 What are the four principles of OA based on IFOAM norms and standards? Provide brief description and examples.

·         The principle of health

Ü  This principle points out that the health of individuals and community cannot be separated from the health of the ecosystem - healthy soils produce healthy crops that foster he health of animals and people.

·         Principle of ecology

Ü  It states that production is to be based on ecological processes and nutrient recycling. Nourishment and well being are achieved through the ecology of the specific production environment. For example. In the case of crops it is the living soil: for animal it is the farm ecosystem: for fish and marine organisms , the  aquatic environment

·         Principle of fairness

Ü  This principle emphasizes that those involved in OA should conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties- farmers, workers, consumers.

·         Principle of care

Ü  This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concern in the management, development, and technology choice in OA.

5 List at least five requirements in OA based on the major concepts and principles. Differentiate it from conventional agriculture

Organic Agriculture.                                       Conventional Agriculture       

Maintain long-term soil fertility	The constant use of artificial fertilizer, together with a lack of crop rotation, reduces the soil's fertility year by year.
Promote the healthy use of soil, water and air as well as minimize all forms of pollution that may result from agricultural practices	About half of the nitrate in the artificial fertilizer used on crops is dissolved by rain. The dissolved nitrate runs off the fields to contaminate water courses.
Enhance biological diversity within the whole system	Large and other chemical farms tend to be monocultures growing the same crop and crop variety
Recycle plant and animal wastes to return nutrients to the land, thus minimizing the use of non renewable resources	applying large quantities of artificial fertilizers, instead of by maintaining the natural fertility of the soil.
Rely on renewable resources in locally organized agriculture system	Many farms are not self-sufficient in animal feed; instead they rely on feed brought into the farm. This often comes from countries which can ill afford to part with it.

4 Give your own examples of benefits derived from OA, from the perspectives of environmental protection, consumer’s protection, industry perspective, and farmer producers.

·         Environmental protection

Ü  Reduces the pollution

Ü  Enhances the soil condition

Ü  By not using gmo it can prevent arise of unwanted species.

·         Consumer’s protection

Ü  Provide healthy and safe food

Ü   

·         Industry prospective

Ü  High income

Ü  High demand

·         Farmer producer

Ü  Safety of farmers

Ü  High demand/ high income

5 OA is location-specific and knowledge-intensive. How can you emphasize this in your own promotion activities for OA?  What specific strategy would you adopt?

Location is a must to start your OA. The location should have the specific needs to maintain your OA.

Knowledge is the key to success in OA if you have the knowledge you can give solution in any problem in any given time.

Knowledge + intensive care = more success!!

#Strategy for promotion?

            I much preferred to conduct a seminar, in that way the farmers, consumers, society will further understand what OA is.

Assignment last semester part 2..

Dr. magsino

1 What is organic crop production?

            Organic crop Production is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity

2 How does it differ from conventional crop production?

            It uses only friendly environment materials

3 What are the characteristic of an Organic Farming?

            Organic crop production farming avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. As such, emphasis id placed on long-term planning based on information regarding drop’s pest life cycles, soil conditioning, and extensive evaluation of ecological relationship, field conditions and option for management of variables available in the given farm.

4 How is soil conditioning maintained in organic farming?

            It is maintains through the heavy use of compost and naturally occurring plant and animal materials incorporated into the soil: green manure and cover crop: and crop rotation.

5 What are the basic requirements in organic crop production?

·         Documentation and record  keeping

·         Soil management

·         Weed management

·         Insect and pest management

·         Disease management

·         Operator management

6 What are the keys to successful organic crop production?

·         Site selection.

Ü  Accessibility

Ü  Biophysical factors

·         Socioeconomic factors

Ü  Farm resources

Ü  Labor availability

Ü  Distance to market

·         Water supply and quality

·         Crop and variety selection

·         Market development

Assigment last semester..

Dr.magsino

1. Who are the acknowledge pioneers in organic agriculture?

The person who are acknowledge pioneer in agriculture are the following.

Sir Albert Howard considered as the father of the organic composting method.

Rudolf Steiner philosopher outlined the principles of biodynamic agriculture in 1924.

Lady Balfour published” the living soil” in the United Kingdom (UK).

J.J. Rodale theorized that to preserve and improve our health, we must restore and protect the natural health of the soil

Masanobu Fokuoka developed and practice “ NO plowing, No fertilizing, No weeding, Do nothing of natural farming

2. What is IFOAM and what are its missions?

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) is the worldwide umbrella organization for the organic agriculture movement, uniting more than 750 member organizations in 108 countries

IFOAM’s mission is the leading, uniting assisting the organic movement in its full diversity. IFOAM’s goals are the worldwide adoption of ecologically, socially and economically sound systems that are based on OA principles.

3. What are the benefits of Organic Agriculture?

·         Organic Agriculture –A global industry

·         Organic Agriculture and “Green Growth”

·         Organic Agriculture and Fair Trade

·         Organic Agriculture as a guardian of Indigenous and Traditional Cultures

·         Organic Agriculture as Guardian of Animal Welfare

4. In the Philippines, there are indications of a growing organic agriculture industry.

Cite of these indicators.

·         Government’s proactive initiatives and policies

·         Local certifier for export to other countries

·         Research activities of state universities

·         Increase of OA training opportunities

·          Inclusion of OA subjects in the curriculum of colleges

·         Joint venture initiative of private sector and government.

·         Increased supply and diversity of organic produce at domestic market outside of metro manila

·         Increased of organically certifies produce and products. 

one of our activity in soil..

prof..alano 

Fact sheets
Soil texture triangle

These are the characteristics that help you identify each soil type.

SAND:

• feels sandy
• cannot be rolled into a ball.

LOAMY SAND:

• feels sandy
• can be rolled into a ball
• falls apart when handled.

LOAM:

• feels sandy
• can be rolled into a ball
• does not fall apart when handled
• feels spongy.

SANDY LOAM:

• feels sandy
• can be rolled into a ball
• does not fall apart when handled
• does not feel spongy
• cannot be rolled into a 40mm sausage shape.

SANDY CLAY:

• feels sandy
• can be rolled into a ball
• does not fall apart when handled
• does not feel spongy
• can be rolled into a 40mm sausage shape
• is like plasticine and sticky to the touch.

SANDY CLAY LOAM:

• feels sandy
• can be rolled into a ball
• does not fall apart when handled
• does not feel spongy
• can be rolled into a 40mm sausage shape
• is not like plasticine or sticky to the touch.

SILT LOAM:

• does not feel sandy
• can be rolled into a sausage shape.

CLAY:

• does not feel sandy
• cannot be rolled into a sausage shape
• will get a shine when rubbed with the thumb nail
• can be formed into a ball that is resistant to breaking and able to be given a high shine.

SILTY CLAY:

• does not feel sandy
• cannot be rolled into a sausage shape
• will get a shine when rubbed with the thumb nail
• cannot be formed into a ball that is resistant to breaking and able to be given a high shine.

SILTY CLAY LOAM:

• does not feel sandy
• cannot be rolled into a sausage shape
• will not get a shine when rubbed with the thumb nail
• produces a distinct fingerprint.

CLAY LOAM:

• does not feel sandy
• cannot be rolled into a sausage shape
• will not get a shine when rubbed with the thumb nail
• will not produce a distinct fingerprint.

My report in cropsci last semester....

Bagging:  covering the fruit with plastic or bag to avoid direct contact of insect

 Trapping: Insect traps are used to monitor or directly reduce insect populations. They typically use food, visual lures, chemical attractants and pheromones as bait and are installed so that they do not injure other animals or humans or result in residues in foods or feeds. Visual lures use light, bright colors and shapes to attract pests.

Handpicking: Is an excellent method of controlling pests especially when only a few plants are infested. It is the easiest and direct way to kill the visible and slowly moving pests. By handpicking the adults before they have the chance to lay their eggs and by crashing the eggs before they hatch prevent the pests' build-up and the resulting damage.

Insect light trap: Is one of the very effective tools of insect pest management in organic agriculture as it mass-traps both the sexes of insect pests and also substantially reduces the carryover pest population.

Mulching: Is one of the simplest and most beneficial practices you can use in the garden. Mulch is simply a protective layer of a material that is spread on top of the soil. Mulches can either be organic -- such as grass clippings, straw, bark chips, and similar materials -- or inorganic -- such as stones, brick chips, and plastic. Both organic and inorganic mulches have numerous benefits.

Pruning is a horticultural and silvicultural practice involving the selective removal of parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots. Reasons to prune plants include deadwood removal, shaping (by controlling or directing growth), improving or maintaining health, reducing risk from falling branches, preparing nursery specimens for transplanting, and both harvesting and increasing the yield or quality of flowers and fruits.

Baiting for pathogens
Baiting involves taking a sample of soil and placing a potential pathogen food source within it (e.g. a carrot).  The food source is then removed, and pathogen isolation attempted from it

Sticky board traps

Flying insects are attracted to bright yellow, blue, and white colors. Traps, consisting of square pieces of cardboard or hard plastic coated with sticky substances placed throughout the growing area among the plants, attract them. Strips of yellow or blue sticky plastic can also be used around or inside the growing ranges.

How to Plant Bitter Gourd

Overview

Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is a fast-growing fruiting vine that grows well in hot, humid climates with daytime temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The bitter gourd plant gets its name from the bitter-tasting fruit it produces. Bitter gourd is a popular vegetable in Asia where it is claimed to have medicinal qualities for diabetes and digestive disorders. Sow bitter gourd seeds in a soil amended with organic matter once the soil reaches a temperature of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 1

Choose a planting location for the bitter gourd that has a well draining soil and full sun light conditions.

Step 2

Test the soil with a home soil pH test kit. Bitter gourd prefers a soil that is acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.7. Add ground rock sulfur to the soil to lower the pH number and make it more acidic. Let the soil rest for two weeks.

Step 3

Prepare the planting area prior to planting by tilling compost into the soil.

Step 4

Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting. Sow two to three seeds together at a depth of 1/2-inch deep. Water the planting area immediately after sowing. Bitter gourd seeds will germinate in two to three days.

Step 5

Water the plants regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist.

Step 6

Provide a vegetable trellis for the plant once the vines begin to grow. This will provide air circulation for the plant and prevent the gourds from becoming flat. Train the vine by assisting it to grow in a upward direction on the trellis.

Step 7

Manually pollinate the plants if insects are not available in the area. Flowers will appear on the plant five to six weeks after planting. Touch the male flowers to the female flowers to transfer pollen. A successful pollination will result in large portion of the flower growing into a fruit.

Step 8

Prune to remove vine tips and cut lateral branches to the 10th node when the female flowers develop and the vine reaches the top of the trellis. This will increase fruit growth and encourage vine branching.

Step 9

Fertilize the plants with a high-nitrogen fertilizer once fruit is present on the vines. Water the soil immediately after application to promote fertilizer absorption.

Step 10

Harvest mature gourds once they turn light green with white flesh. Bitter gourd fruit is ready for harvest approximately three months after planting. The gourds will turn bitterer the longer they remain on the vine