PH Livestock Expo highlights carabao as good source of meat

 

I n dispelling the myths and misconceptions that carabao’s meat is tough and darker in color, thus hindering market acceptability, the DA-Philippine Carabao Center’s (DA-PCC) experts stressed that buffalo meat can be equal to, if not better than, the more popular and widely accepted beef.

Attesting to this are results of a series of studies conducted by the research team of the DA-PCC to compare the slaughter yields and carcass characteristics of crossbred buffalo and crossbred cattle at the same age and diet. It was found out that based on carcass quality evaluation, buffalo meat is comparable to beef in terms of carcass yields, processing traits, and sensory characteristics.

Dr. Arnel Del Barrio, former DAPCC executive director, reechoed such findings in his presentation on “Potential of Buffalo Meat as Beef ” during the Livestock Philippines Expo 2022.

“The DA-PCC promotes buffalo as a good source not only of milk but also of quality meat. If the male buffaloes are not fit for breeding, then they are qualified to be fattened and marketed for a good quality meat. The agency already has initiatives to develop a breeding program for buffalo meat production as well,” Dr. Del Barrio said.

As for the economic viability of carabao’s meat, the Head of DAPCC’s Business Development and Commercialization Unit Zadieshar Sanchez assures potential investors of carabao fattening and Kardeli retail business that, through collaboration and available technologies, there is a ready market for their products and the economic potential of this venture is very promising.

Kardeli is the DA-PCC’s brand of premium carabao’s meat. It is available at the Milka Krem in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

Sanchez was also invited as one of the resource persons in the expo wherein he tackled the economic viability of value-added carabao meat products. “According to our ongoing study, there is a ready market for carabao’s meat and opportunities for this commodity are many. To fully realize this potential, more carabao fattening farms need to be raised,” he stated.

The DA-PCC has also conducted studies and breeding technologies for the purpose and ensures that the market is ready to absorb fattened animals that are about to be produced in the future.

To further prove the agency’s claims on the good quality of carabao’s meat, a cooking demo hosted by DA-PCC was also held at the Livestock Expo with Chef Francis Sibal, Executive Chef of CZ Ranch Restaurant.

The Livestock Expo is considered to be the premier international trade platform for industry stakeholders. It is organized by international exhibition expert group Informa Markets and is hosted by the Department of Agriculture.

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