Carabao Production: Introduction, BreedsCarabao (Bubalus bubalis) is commonly raised livestock specie in the Philippines and Region VII in particular. Generally considered as a backyard activity among farmers, this domesticated animal has gained remarkable importance in the past years as a vital component in food sustainability and income to farmers. Problems that bese carabao raisers are oftentimes locationspecific, hence this techno guide for farmers. This commodity-focused reading material forms part of the Department of Agriculture’s effort in updating the farmers knowledge in livestock production to help improve their production output. This guide describes and illustrates the many steps involved in carabao production for both beginners and experienced raisers. This is presented in easyto-understand terms that would be very useful to trainors and growers alike. Introduction The name water buffalo has always been used to connote the state of the peasant economy in Asia and the animal considered as the farmer’s inseparable partner in his farming activities. Its geogra-phical distribution is vast but approximately 97% of the world buffalo population is concentrated in Asia . The statistical data show that the water buffalo is essential an “Asian animal.” It is the main source of draft power and meat for the small farmers who constitute the overwhelming majority of the total human population of the different countries in Asia. In the Philippines, the water buffalo population is approximately 2.9 million head of which approximately 72% are used for farm operations. Water buffaloes are classified into two types: the swamp and the 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. 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. In the Philippines when carabaos are past their period of usefulness at draft animals they are usually slaughtered and the meat is sold as carabeef. Due to old age of the animals the meat is inferior in quality and has developed a prejudice among consumers. But when carabaos are fed, managed and slaughtered at the same age as cattle, the meat is as good as beef. Problems and Prospects Carabao production can very well be integrated with crop farming. However, its potential for draft, milk and meat has not been fully exploited on account of several technical problems which limit its productive efficiency and utilization. The major constraints of efficient carabeef production which require intensive and sustained research are the following: 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. low milk and meat yield. etc. The BREEDS . 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 byproducts.2. Since carabaos are known to be efficient converter of low quality roughages. 5. As rule. sugarcane tops. Efforts are now directed towards the improvement of the genetic makeup of the carabao.e. Low productivity. A caracow with a nursing calf can produce 300 to 800 kg of milk during a lactation period of about 180 to 300 days. 4. bagassee. lending policies and loan requirements are too prohibitive for farmers to comply with. High mortality. This is especially true among caracalves. corn stover. Poor feeding and management practices contribute to low calf crop (40-45%). The grade animal possess better draft/milk/meat capacity than the carabao. The upgrading of the carabao using the river type buffalo such as the Murrah and Surti bull or their semen is gaining acceptance among carabao raisers. The financing program for carabao production both from the government and private banks are unrealistic i. and poor draft capacity. coordinated research efforts are necessary to develop the technology at the farm level for maximum utilization of farm level for maximum utilization of farm byproducts such as rice straw. primarily due to the high incidence of infectious and heavy parasitic diseases as well as poor management practices. Carabaos are also potential sources of milk. Unrealistic credit facilities. health care system and disease prevention practices are not adapted by carabao producers. 3. Studies on the credit aspects of carabao production should be undertaken so that our financial institutions can effectively assist carabao producers. Color is lighter on the legs and outside of the body and the ears. A. respectively. The introduction of Indian buffaloes in the Philippines started in June 1917 with the importation of 57 Murrah. Thai buffalo Origin in Thailand.The river type buffaloes particularly the Indian and Pakistani breeds are of the dairy type. On the other hand the swamp buffaloes such as the Philippine carabao and the Thai buffalo. Strong and broad bodied animals with prominent muscling in neck chest and back. After the Second World War. Philippine carabao Philippine origin. Swamp Type A1. A2.45 – 2. importation of the Indian buffalo mostly of the Murrah breed resumed consisting of 940 head in seven shipments. The color is light gray in general with two stripes or chevron distinct on the ventral side of the neck.64 kgs per day. the Surti of Nili/Ravi is being considered for the improvement of the carabao.0 kg. Average weight for male and female is 540 kgs and 400 kgs. Upper surface of horns has grooves. Daily average milk production is 0. one near the brisket and the other near jaw. Aside from the Murrah. Horn is generally curved outward and inward to form a semi-circle from the base of the head. . are raised primarily for draft and meat purposes. Low wide and heavy built body with sufficient type for draft and meat.9-1. Massive and strong horn to form a moonlike crescent with ends upwards. Black color and the hair is relatively loan as compared to some other types. The average mature weight for male is 500 kgs while the female is 425 kgs with and average milk production of 1. In bulls the front is much more developed while the hind portion is narrow. Jet black in color with white switch in the tail. Average weight for mature male is 499 kgs while the female weighs 408 kgs with 5 – 6 kgs daily milk production. In the selection. milk yield and draft capacity. River Type B1. The skin is black or reddish and the hair gray to rusty brown. feed intake and conversion. Selection of Stocks Success in animal production depends to a certain extent on the right choice of stock to raise. Only minimal points are given to the head. Massive and stocky built. Udder and teats are well developed. short limbs. for meat or for milk. teats are black. wedge shape conformation. Horn is tightly and spirally curled. and body. The color is black or brown. neck. Surti Surti originated in India. B2. one should consider the purpose of which the animal is being chosen. body conformation measurements. however. carcass traits.B. in the selection of draft/carabeef animal as shown here. and light neck and head. Horns coil downward and upward to form a hook. For example. Such criteria may cover the economic traits such as birth weight. pre-weaning growth rate. Male and female average weight is 625 and 525 kgs. broad hips and drooping quarter. Wedge shape conformation. more points are given to the parts of the hind quarters followed by the fore quarters followed by the fore quarters and then the general appearance of the animal. respectively with an average milk production of 5 – 7 kg a day. post weaning growth rate. long and stout. He should know which of the animal’s physical traits should be given more points when breeding for draft. skin texture is soft and fine. . Murrah India by origin. The physical as well as the productive and reproductive performance should be emphasized in the selection. Murrah and carabao grades. high incidence of “silent heat” occurs during the dry season. 49 and 44 days. The heat period of carabaos last for about 5 to 36 hours. Calving Intervals – Carabaos manifest post partum heat 35 days after calving. gives birth to her first calf at the age of about 1. Carabaos reared under close confinement ovulate 15 hours after the end of estrus. On the other hand. The grade. The Murrah carabao grades were observed to have the same calving intervals. (click image to enlarge) o . The Murrah buffaloes and the Murrah carabao grades. This is to prevent premature breeding. and the grades have an average heat period of about 24 hours. Gestation Period The gestation period of carabaos ranges from 320 to 325 days. It is believed that Murrah buffaloes ovulate at about 11 hours after cessation of estrus. however.REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY Carabaos breed throughout the year but the preponderance takes place between the months of August and January. However. 4 months). resulting in a poor conception rate of mated females.178 days (3 years. Estrus Period Studies show that the duration of estrus among carabao. The dry season usually offsets the fertility of the carabaos. the majority exhibit estrus at night. it is important to separate the male caracalves from the females shortly after weaning at about 10 to 12 months. 4 months) to 885 days (2 years.582 days (4 years. the Murrah and the grade differ from each other. have n average gestation period of 314 and 317 days. however. The semen quality is adversely affected. 6 months). respectively. 3 months). or about 35 hours after the onset of estrus. Estrus Cycle Carabaos raised under close confinement or tethered in the field show signs of heat every 21 + 2 days. Table 2. o First Fertile Mating – The approximate age of the carabao at first mating ranges from 859 (2 years. Therefore. The report shows that carabaos and Murrah buffaloes have calving intervals ranging from 1 year to about 3 years and 9 months of an average of about 1-1/2 years. Murrah buffaloes come in heat on an average of 21 days. The sexual maturity of carabaos varies among the animals and sexes. respectively. the Murrahs about 24 to 71 hours. the average age of the first fertile mating of the Murrah buffalo at about 1. Also. . results showed significant increases in growth and in milk production. However.NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS It maybe deduced that the nutritional needs of carabao is higher than cattle. above the USNRC recommendation. respectively. . 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. when the rations for growth and lactation were adjusted to 10% and 20 and 40%. 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. some fluid may have to be drained from the respiratory tract. tattooing. In some cases. The caracalf should receive colostrums as soon as possible preferably within one hour after birth. In backyard carabao dairy production. eartagging. Sometimes. the navel cord should be cut and dis-infected with tincture of iodine. Proper identification can subsequently be done by either earnotching. the fetal membrane should be removed from its mouth and nostrils. 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. it is recommended that the caracalf be allowed to go with the dam for .After the birth of 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. or putting a neckchain. This can be done by holding the calf upside down by the hind legs. The calves may be put in the pens individually or in groups. Within a few minutes after birth. under commercial dairy operation with a herd Murrah or Murrah-carabao grades. However. breathing has to be stimulated by artificial respiration. nut hey should be allowed exercise in the paddack as often as possible. The surest way to provide calves with colostrums is to milk the dam and then feed the milk to the caracalf. castration. In addition. This practice would reduce the usual delayed breeding of the caraheifer for the first time and. A sample system of numbering the calves by earnothcing. A good caracalf starter should contain at least 18 to 20% crude protein and 75% total digestible nutrient. it should be palatable. Suggested Feeding Guide for Caracalves in Commercial Dairy Operation (click image to enlarge) . Suggested feeding guides for caracalves in commercial dairy operation is presented in Table 7. Economics and practicability are the two important factors to consider in selecting the method to use.a period of 1 to 2 months before milking. especially the months of January to June when it is relatively dry. However. Table 6. These could be done all at the same time when the caracalves are about 5 months old or immediately after weaning. There are several methods of feeding caracalves after the colostral feeding period. Some management practices essential to successful caracalf management operation include branding. 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. Caracalves should be fed with caracalf starter at 2 weeks of age. deworming and vaccination. Fresh and clean water should be provided at all times. consequently dries its first calf earlier. Starting at 2 weeks of age. the caracalves could be fed with some forage like freshly cut grass. These operations should be done during good weather conditions. Castrate caracalves not suited for breeding purposes when they are about 5 to 6 months old. Tincture of iodine maybe used as a disinfectant. However. The slit method is highly recommended for a humane castration operation. Branding Tips . is done with the use of the Burdizzo pincer. Castration can be done either by the slit or the bloodless method. Sudden fall which may cause injuries to the animals must be avoided. Fast the carabao for at least 18 hours before castration. The spermatic cord or the blood vessel that supplies the testicle are crushed. 5. Casting down the carabao before castration is necessary. The bloodless castration method. 2.Tips for Successful Castration Operation 1. Application of pine tar to the wound repel flies as well. With work animals. 3. Proper disinfection before and after cutting through the scrotum is a good measure to prevent infection. Fasted animals suffer less when cast down than unfasted animals with their digestive system distended with feed. provide drinking water at all times. The slit method actually is the removal of testicles by making an incision on the bottom portion of the scrotal sac. Rugged fore quarters also give greater strength to the 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. Also hemorrhage is lessened if they have been fasted sufficiently before hand. 4. on the other hand. 50 to 0. Apply pine tar to the wound to eliminate the flies problem. the animal should first be car down. 2. With a steady and firm grip. 5. Heat the brand until it is ash gray in color (bluish). The bran indicating the year the animal was born is of particular importance especially for steers since age influences their market value. Branding numbers should be 8 cm in height and letters be 10 cm. The branding irons should preferably be made up of copper.1. The branding pressure should be steadily regulated to prevent deep branding. The herd number identifies the different animals in the ranch. 6. Additional brands are exclusively at the discretion of the owner. 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. They may be fed. Before branding. with high-energy ration and finished as soon as possible for slaughter especially if they are not suited for breeding purposes. Handles of branding iron should be at least 76 cm long for easy handling. Branding iron should be heated ash gray in color. apply the brand to the desired place. too. 4.75 kg per day for sale as yearling or fatteners after three months. The animal should be properly restrained to avoid unnecessary damage to the hide which could lower its market value. This metal retains heat longer than iron and does not rust. The brand to be used should be simple in design for clear print. 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. The average liveweight of the carabao and Murrah buffalo under Philippine conditions are as follows: . Thus. 4. In addition. Difficulties in the first mating may cause the bull to become a shy breeder. Under close confinement or backyard method. With hand mating. the heifer should weigh at least 350 kg and the age may range from 2. Upgrading can be done either by natural mating or A. 3. At 4-1/2 years of age. the number of females to be sired should not be more than 20 caraheifers or caracows per breeding carabull. Tips of Caraheifer Management Replacement caraheifers should be separated from the bull until they are ready for breeding. In addition.5 to 3 years. spermatogenesis will be improved if the bull have cooling facilities. This number maybe increased to 30 when the bull is from 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 years old.I. 2. younger bulls of about 2-1/2 years old may be used provided they are physically capable. The following are suggested breeding practices for caraheifers: 1. Provide cooling facilities to the bulls for better body heat dissipation. the female load for 1 year could be increased to 40 caraheifers or caracows. Both should be allowed to stay together without stress until it is markedly observed that the female in heat has been properly serviced. This is to ensure that their physical and sexual capability are fully developed. however. The occurrence of heat should be carefully observed to facilitate breeding and recording. If natural breeding is practice the carabao and the Murrah must have been raised together for something preferably during calfhood to avoid mating problems.1. Carabull/Caracow Ratio The carabull to caracow ratio largely depends on the mating system adopted. that after the breeding season bulls are separated from the rest of the herd and given rest and supplemental feed for replenishment of vigor. 2. The age and the physical condition of the bull are important factors in determining its female load. Use bulls for breeding when they are about 3-1/2 to 4 years old. Upgrading Practice Mating the carabao with a breed such as the Murrah or Nili-Ravi is highly recommended. A Murrah buffalo bull can be assigned to 15 to 20 females during the breeding season. Use young bulls only to a very reception female smaller than his size. It is recommended. . However. turn the bull to the female in heat or bring the latter to the bull’s quarter. Animals that do not come to heat on their scheduled time should be carefully examined. only 20 caraheifers a year should be sired by a young bull of about 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 years old. Carabulls are left to run with the females in the ranch. Fertility testing should be practiced if possible. or longer. instead. Good management and better nutrition can prolong the productive life of carabulls from 10 to 15 years. In breeding caraheifer for the first time the age-weight relationship is an important consideration. Management of Milking Herd A native carabao produces an average of 2. Health and nutritional level. The necessary conditions for A. to be successful are as follows: 1. .2 kg of milk daily for 240 days. The recommendation is based on the prompt detection of the onset of heat. poor nutrition may result to poor milk production. They must receive adequate supply of energy. however. It is recommended that the animals be inseminated 24 to 36 hours after the onset of estrus. Poor spermatogenesis and ovarian activity in the carabao result on account of poor nutrition.I. Moreover. a good herdsman should always watch them and render assistance whenever needed.Artificial Insemination (A. The success of A. swelling of the vulva. About a week before calving.I. Ovulation takes place 14 to 16 hours after the end of estrus.I. protein. and relaxation of the muscles around the tail head and pin bones. is the difficulty in defecting carabaos in heat.I has a good potential for improving the carabao.I. Time of insemination. 2. there are still technical problems that are to be resolved in its use. The most common signs pf approaching calving include udder enlargement and distention of teats. Underfeeding and overfeeding the animal result in a poor breeding performance. Heat detection. Poor nutrition of pregnant caracows/caraheifers usually results in thebirth of weak caracalves that are more susceptible to disease. vitamins and minerals for their maintenance. is likely to be ensured if animals are bred at least 60 days after calving. 4. Post-partum breeding. 3. It is estimated that 30 to 40% of the failures in A. hence. Heat manifestation in the carabao is less distinct as compared to that in cattle. it is advisable to stop milking 2 months before the expected date of calving.) The use of A. the caracow/caraheifer should be isolated in a clean and well-bedded maternity stall or clean pasture where she can be closely observed. caracow/caraheifer shows restlessness and isolates herself from the rest of the group when in the open. Animals that are sickly or infected with disease usually have poor chances of good conception. A majority of the carabaos are given only rations with crop residues such as rice straw and roadside weeds. 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. and poor genetic potential for milk are factors that contribute to its poor performance. A good health program such as regular vaccination and deworming are excellent management practices. At this time the uterus and other parts of the reproductive system have returned to normal. Early heat detection is necessary to bread the animal at the right time. Generally. Although most of the caracows/caraheifers do not need any help during parturition. Poor nutrition and management. growth and fetal growth requirements. in spite of its being a genetically poor milk producer.I. Water should also be provided at all times. milk production and butterfat produced. Milking carabaos are usually fed based on their body eight. Mineral mixture (50% steamed bone meal +50% salt) could be fed at the rate of 1 to 1. Most backyard sheds are 2. Milking Herd in a commercial buffalo dairy farm A milking shed should be built in well drained grounds to prevent dampness which is a common predisposing factor for diseases and parasites. 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.7 meters. .0 to 3. However. For practical purposes.5% of the concentrate ration. the shed may be built of native materials like bamboo. for semipermanent shed with G.5 to 3 meters high. roofing. the height may be 3.However. nipa and cogon. the milk composition of carabaos is better than cattle as shown in Table 8. Carabaos under backyard condition tethered under the shade of the tree. In the backyard. Any milk showing these signs must not be used for human consumption. grasp the teat then close the thumb and first finger around the teat to prevent the milk from going back to . the milkers should wash his hands thoroughly with soap and water. keep the milking carabao from any disturbing factors such as unnecessary noise and sight of strangers. stainless steel or well trimmed pails are easily kept clean and sanitary. Wash the animals thoroughly especially in the hind quarters. proper milking procedure ensures purity and sanitary condition of the product. Prepare the udder by washing thoroughly with cloth wrung out of the germicidal solution or soap or 5% chlorox solution. Flaky or stringy milk and or presence of blood clots may indicate mastitis. rub the whole udder at the back and front. So first. The use of the strip cup will aid in detecting off-colored milk. then dry. Wash also thoroughly the milk buckets or pails. For the first three or four streams of milk from each teat. Seamless. The milking procedure should be done in a regular schedule with maximum ease and gentleness.Conditions and Procedure for Milking For a high milk production. After thoroughly washing the animal and equipment. Do not use sponges for washing udders. Washing the udder also aids in stimulating milk ejection. Any milking animals having signs of mastitis should be milked last. It is highly recommended further to use partially covered vessels as containers for milk. While wiping. 3. The milker himself must be free from any communicable diseases or open cuts in the hand. examine in a strip cup for abnormalities in appearance and consistency. Wipe the udder to dry with clean cloth. If possible. Also. 2. These could highly affect the nervous system and cause the animal to withhold milk. this further stimulates the animal. The hand milking procedure is as follows: 1. quietness and quickness. maintain a permanent person to milk the animals. 4. The milk in the teats can go back into the udder if correct procedure in milking is not followed. work in the fingers from the top of the udder to the top of the teats. Such animals. Carabaos do not perspire because of the absence of sweat glands so. Repeat the process with the other hand on the other teats and continue milking alternatively until very little milk comes out. slide the fingers up back of the udder. should be castrated for easy handling and docility. close the little finger and squeeze with the entire hand until the milk comes out. Give the work animals sufficient feed (grains or forage) and rest in sheds of safe wallows to dissipate body heat. Next. Then with a gentle kneading motion downwards. set the carabao to work as early as five o’clock to ten o’clock in the morning. Apply steady pressure and do not jerk the teat down. it the farmer does b\not own other working animals.the udder. mineral mixture should be fed at a rate of 1 to 1. Most small farmers use their milking carabaos also for work. they tire easily. the breeding may be timed such that the lactation period will not coincide with the peak of the farm operations. release the pressure on the teat can refill again. hauling and pulling of loads. Management of Draft Animals Even with the advent of mechanized farming. In addition. supplemental concentrates at a rate of 1 to 2 % of the body weight should be made available. This practice adversely affect milk production. however.5 % of the concentrate mix. Females utilized for work are believed to be naturally inferior in performance. the carabao still plays an important role in major farm operations such as land tillage. However. Finally. Apart from the fresh forage and crop residue to be given. Then close the second finder followed by the third finder. A slight upward push of the teat is advisable. affecting the efficiency of work. . Use male carabaos as draft animals. Five seconds of this kneading may bring out whatever little milk can be milked out by the normal straight forward milking. Draft animals need to be given proper nutrition to reciprocate its work performance. When all of the milk has been apparently produced by straight forward milking. To overcome the problem. . and sustain a year round supply of feeds. The procedures for introducing legumes into the native pasture are as follows: 1. Disturbing the pasture by cultivation or light disking. In a native grass-legume mixed pasture. 5. the stocking rate and length of the grazing period should be determined by the legume component. Broadcasting 2 to 4 kg legume seeds per hectare anytime during the wet season. Inoculate the pasture area if necessary. native pasture 2. 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. But this would entail proper management of the forage land which is essential to maintain its maximum productivity and utilization. improved pure grass pasture 4. Burning or overgrazing the area at the end of the dry season. Viny legumes such as the centro requires a . Our pastures can be classified into four types: 1. 6. otherwise the purpose for a good pasture management is meaningless.PASTURE MANAGEMENT Pasture can be the most economical source of feed for carabao production under ranch operation. native pasture over-seeded with legumes 3. provide a higher nutritive value to the pasture and provide additional feed especially during the dry season. improved grass/legume mixture Introducing legumes like the stylo and the centrosema to native pastures like cogon and bagokbok land has several advantages. 3. 2. 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. This will allow contact between the seed and the soil and at the same time set back the native vegetation. The legume can fix atmospheric nitrogen. Controlled light grazing in favor of the legumes.2. 4. two animals are allowed to graze per hectare for about 3 to 7 days in each paddock. productive animals. Silage making is done by wilting forage to a moisture content of between 65 and 70% and chopped to a desired length. Rotational grazing overcomes the disadvantages of overgrazing and undergrazing of the pasture crops. Beside the advantage of continues feed supply. A good silage has an agreeable odor and is green in color. 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. good fencing should be considered in this grazing management practice. continuous grazing is usually employed in most of our cogon or rangelands where fencing is often not economically practical. To minimize this condition. Even with good management. Herd the animals daily Silage Making During the months when forage growth or crop residue is abundant.lenient and shorter grazing period while shorter legumes like the stylo can tolerate a heavy grazing pressure. rationally. the following recommendations should be considered: 1. Put up watering/shed facilities in under grazed areas. Grazing management on improved pastures should be made rational. Carabaos tend to keep coming back to its usual grazing areas and therefore tend to overgraze them. However. Sporadic diseases . it is imperative to save the surplus for the lean months. With this system. 4. The pasture should be divided into a number of paddock and the animals are to be moved systematically from one area to another. silage making improves the palatability of the forage. About 1 to 2 carabaos may be used per hectare in a lightly fertilized area of native grass/legume pastures. Divide the pasture area into smaller paddocks. 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. The responsibility of a programmed health care and disease control is equally divided between the veterinarian and the livestock raiser. Their occurrence must be reported promptly for an early suppression and treatment. compacted and allowed to cure until ready for use even after 10 to 14 days. 2. 3. On the other hand. The ensiling material is placed in the silo. diseases or abnormalities could still crop up. Burn or mow undergrazed areas. HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT Herd health management must integrate livestock medicine with modern production technology. The pasture should be uniformly grazed to prevent some parts being undergrazed or overgrazed. 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. Storage may be done in a silo. Consult a veterinarian for diagnostic examinations. snail control and pasture management should compliment regular deworming with an effective flukecide. 2. Health Program for Carabaos . 7. Start with healthy stocks.affecting the mature stocks are common as the carabao population does not get the benefit of an effective disease preventive measures are: 1. Unproductive breeding stocks must be culled out of the herd and replaced with tested or potentially good breeders. must come from reliable sources of known sturdy parental stocks. 5. 10. Intensify efforts of environmental control through sanitation and disinfection of contaminated quarters and utensils. 3. practice sanitation in the pens. maintain a similar program with emphasis on their proper application on the continuing basis. For the unconfined stock. Immunize regularly against diseases prevalent in the area: community vaccinations maybe arranged with the proper authorities way ahead on expected disease outbreaks. and must be under isolation for a minimum of 30 days after purchase. During disease outbreaks or when the animal is visibly ill. defects or signs of illness. delousing and immunizations must be done during the isolation period. When individually confined or herd quartered. 4. Prompt waste disposal should be done to rid houses and pens of pests and insects which thrive on manure and other wastes. 12. For the latter. Segregate the carabao from other animals like cattle. rest especially under the shade during a long work periods and clean water supply. Give optimum protection from environmental stress by providing proper housing. 11. Consult a veterinarian for effective drugs and chemicals to use as well as their dosages. Purchased animals must be rigidly examined for abnormalities. 9. usage and frequency of application. Graze in pasture relatively safe from infective stages of internal parasites particularly. 14. 6. Deworm regularly for other internal or gastroenteric parasites. segregate it immediately and seek immediate veterinary assistance. goat and sheep to avoid intertransmission of the disease among these species. Provide adequate quality ration since well-nourished carabaos do not only perform better but are more resistant to infectious and parasitic agents. 13. Conduct regular checks for the presence of parasitic diseases. Work-ups for parasite and disease control such as deworming. liverfluke. Delouse with effective insecticides with due consideration on proper concentration and frequency as recommended by the manufacturer. 8. All vaccinations must be spaced out and accomplished preferably before breeding or pregnancy occurs. C4. Inject Vitamin ADE to improve the reproductive performance. For day old carabeef. etc. A2. Bilevon – R. Distodin. To prevent uterine infections in the dam. C. C2. Before breeding A1. treatment or previous reproductive performance. Seek assistance of a veterinarian whenever necessary. hemorrhagic septicemia. Where liverfluke is widespread or is confirmed to be present in the animal or herd. pyrantel). A4. adversed climatic conditions. Fasciolex. Avlothane. dose the calf orally with neomycin either as a solution or as a bolus. Inject Vitamin ADE in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Vaccinate against diseases prevalent in the area i. blackleg. 2. Calves up to weaning . antibiotic boluses may be inserted high up into the vagina. Provide adequate and comfortable quarters. cut the umbilical cord and paint the remaining stump with strong tincture of iodine. If the calf is unable to suckle. Avoid unnecessary stresses caused by excitement. Consult the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) provincial veterinary office or any other veterinary authority for guidance. brucellosis. pick out those which are potentially good ones based on physical characteristics. deworm against common intestinal roundworms using widespectrum dewormers. D. Maintain animal on a high plane of nutrition. Calving and Post-Calving C1. Retained placenta (unexpelled beyond 24 hours) must be removed by gentle traction and when unsuccessful. HMD. If there is a group of animals from which breeders are to be selected. C3. Flush genitalia with mild antiseptics like diluted Lysol or potassium permanganate solution. A3. It must suckle after parturition to receive the colostrums. B. At about the last 2 to 3 weeks of pregnancy. parbendazole. inject pitocin or oxytocin as indicated. assist or train it to nurse on the dam. For dosages and methods of treatment. 3. Provide nutritional supplements such as minerals and vitamins.A. if necessary. Deworm animals with wide spectrum anthelmintics (thibendazole. treat simultaneously by using drugs like Ranide. and pedigree if known. seek veterinary assistance. Zanel. Pregnancy Period 1. transport. A5. Blood test the animals for diseases such as brucellosis and leptospirosis. unsanitary environment. anthrax. To reduce post-calving infections.e. Segregate expectant caracows from the herd at least one week before calving. etc. tetramisole. Repeat when necessary or as indicated. Asuntol. Where such treatment has considerably reduced the infection. 3. o Repeat flukecide treatment every 3 months especially in areas where this parasite is very common. D5. . repeat after 30 days. Sevin. Pfispray. Water soluble nutritional supplements may be made available at all times to the calves. Repeat lice control as in C-3. E. When necessary. Application should be 3 to 4 times at weekly intervals to rid the caracalves. D3. In areas where internal parasitism is common especially ascaris infection. preferably before weaning. Treat against liverfluke as in A-3. repeat the procedure as in A-5. as when caracalves appear weak. Ciodrin. 4. spray with insecticides like neguvon. Yearling-Growing Period 1. Diazinon or Nankor. 2. Vaccinate against diseases prevalent in the area when the caracalf is 6 months or more. Repeat deworming against gastrointestinal parasites at 2 to 3 months and gain immediately before weaning. consult a veterinarian for proper treatment and control.D1. Malathion. dewrom caracalves as early as 4 to 5 weeks. D2. unthrifty looking or runty. supplement nursing with multi-vitamin/mineral preparations preferably vitamin B complex. D4. When immunity due to previous vaccination has lapsed. doing may be repeated twice a year thereafter. For sporadic incidence of specific disease. Mitox SP. Since calves are easily infected with lice and other external parasites. Dose with piperazine compounds of any equivalent dewormer in their proper dosage.