Edgar A. Orden | Edwin C. Villar | F. L. Porciuncula | Sonny N. Domingo | R.v. Antalan Jr.
The effects of Crop-Animal Research Network's (CASREN) espoused technology interventions on the performance and profitability of goats in lowland rain-fed areas of selected towns of Pangasinan were determined and compared with those without interventions. The interventions included upgrading, complete confinement, sustainable parasite control (SPC), and feeds and feeding system. The CASREN participatory approach was used to ensure proper fit between project interventions and the needs and preferences of target farmers. Reproductive performance was similar among goats of technology adopters and non-adopters as indicated by non-significant differences in kidding interval and size. However, the upgrading technology together with proper feeding practices, complete confinement and sustainable parasite control proved beneficial in increasing weight gain in stall-fed kids among adopters. They attained desirable market weight in a shorter period, hence could provide potential financial advantage among CASREN-technology adopters. With dwindling household income among marginal farmers, the adoption of these technology options could help improve goat productivity that could ultimately result in higher share of the animal component of the crop-animal farming system in total farm income.