DARAG: A niche market in the poultry industry

MANILA, Philippines - Topnotch Magsa-saka Siyentista (MS) Margarito R. Andrade of the Banga Farmers’ Informa-tion and Technology Services (FITS) in Aklan is into “chicks” of the ‘darag’ kind. 

As a cooperator of the Philippine Council for Agricul-ture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Deve-lopment (PCARRD’s) Science and Techno-logy-based Farm (STBF), Andrade produces hardened 45-day old darag or native chicken. 

Andrade, first runner-up in the 2008 search for outstanding MS, sells darag chicks for P0.75 per head. His farm is also capable of producing day-old chicks and ready-to-breed pullets or roosters.

Darag is the native chicken strain local to Western Visayas. It has established a niche market in the poultry industry in the area due to its unique quality of meat and distinctive taste.

During a field day held recently in his farm, Andrade discussed how artificial incubation, brooding, and use of indigenous feeding supplements, such as Marande leaves (Tricanthera gigantea), duckweed, and golden “kuhol” can improve native chicken production.

Andrade demonstrated how his invention – an incubator that works with both alternating and direct current electricity – works. Andrade has also devised an artificial brooder warmed by an electric bulb.

PCARRD Livestock Research Division Director Edwin C. Villar, said: “The bottom line of the (STBF) project is for the Magsasaka Siyentista to showcase the improvement in his farm productivity and economic benefits brought about by the S&T (science and technology) interventions recommended (by the project).”

Aside from PCARRD and WESVARRDEC, Andrade is being assisted in his project by the Aklan State University (ASU), and FITS Center Banga. – With Dems Z. Magpantay, S&T Media Service