Assessment of productivity in pasture in pasture lease ranches in Northern Mindanao

Date

2-1995

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess cattle production, pasture yields, soil properties and characteristics, and problems and constraints relating to pasture leases in two ranching provinces of Northern Mindanao.

Bukidnon ranches had better (P<0.01) soil condition than in Misamis Oriental in terms of nitrogen content (0.215% vs 0. 111%), organic matter (4.00% vs 2.52%), soil phosphorus (18.53 ppm vs 6.14 ppm), sand (1.12% vs 57.23%) and clay functions (64.05% vs 21.37%), and soil bulk density (0.86 gm/cc vs 1.27 gm/cc).

Pasture leases in both provinces had slopes ranging from 15-47% and averaged 40%.

Bukidnon ranches had higher (P<0.01) year-total fresh pasture yields than in Misamis Oriental (15.09 t/ha vs 10.50 t/ha. Herbage air dry matter in Bukidnon was estimated at 4.17 t/ha and 2.46 t/ha in Misamis Oriental; and 3.3 t/ha for all ranches.

In terms of botanical composition of species in pasture leases. Themeda triandra and Imperata cylindrica contributed the most to forage yield. In Bukidnon their respective contributions were 36.48% and 25.67 whereas in Misamis Oriental the proportions were lower (16.25% and 15.00%).

Pasture leases in Bukidnon averaged 217 ha and was slightly larger than in Misamis Oriental ; overall, pasture leases average 209 ha.

Average stock inventory was 85 heads in Bukidnon, 45 heads in Misamis Oriental, and 65 heads overall.

Breeding cows and heifers comprised 64% of the herds in Bukidnon ranches and 60% in MIsamis Oriental. Bukidnon ranches had 7.1% (1:14) bull : cow ratio and 11.1% (1:9) in Misamis Oriental.

Average weights of stocks were: bull, 382 kg: coq, 281 kg: young bull, 231 kg: and heifer, 165 kg.

Bukidnon ranches had higher (P<0.01) cattle productivity than those of Misamis Oriental in terms of stocking rate (0.305 AU/ha vs 0.193 AU/ha), calving rate (61.90% vs 46.49%), weaning rate (59.85% vs 44.66%), and extraction rate (26.48% vs 16.16%). Mortality in ranches was higher in Bukidnon than those in Misamis Oriental (1.8% vs 1.5%).

Based on herbage air dry matter, carrying capacity of ranches in Bukidnon was estimated at 1.39 AU and 0.82 AU in Misamis Oriental.

Among many identified problems/constraints, the first five major ones were: squatters, summer fee shortage, grassland fire, peace and order situation and lack of support services.

To improve management of ranches, the squatter problem must be resolved and peace and order maintained. In addition, the government must delineate ranching areas as component of the cattle development program.

Viable ranching depends on high stocking, calving and weaning rates. These in turn depend on improved pastures within the suitably cultivable portions. Financing should however be provided at interest below commercial rates.

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science

College

Graduate School (GS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Arsenio D. Calub

Committee Member

Percy E. Sajise, Danilo P. Baldos, Cesar C. Sevilla

Language

English

LC Subject

Pasture right of--Philippines--Mindanao, Northern, Pasture

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 996 1995 A5 M37

Notes

Doctor of Philosophy (Animal Science)

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