RP to import 3,000 goats, sheep from Australia

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is set to import some 3,000 goats and sheep from Australia as part of the heightened agricultural trade between the two countries, according to Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith. Smith said 1,900 Boer (meat goats), Anglo Nubians and Saanens (dairy goats) and 1,200 Dorper sheep are due to arrive in the Philippines over the next two months following a series of visits by Philippine breeders to farms in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria facilitated by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade). “The importation of Australian livestock will assist Philippine breeders improve the quality of local stock and, in particular, promote the long term development of the goat industry,” Smith said. Australia is already a known supplier of Boer goats in the Philippines due to quality, price competitiveness, adaptability, quarantine status and proximity in terms of lead time. “The purchase of the dairy goats and sheep will also boost existing agricultural trade between Australia and the Philippines, currently worth more than A$5 million,” Smith added. The imported goats will be primarily used for cross-breeding to increase meat production and to capitalise on the rising demand for goat’s milk. Australian Boer goats and Dorper sheep are known for their superior meat production. Boer goat bucks (males) can grow up to 130 kilos compared to local goat breeds that grow only up to 30 kilos. Dorper sheep grow faster and heavier than goats, weighing up to 60 kilos at six months of age. The Anglo Nubian and Saanen dairy goat breeds are farmed for their higher milk production capacity and adaptability to tropical environments. Australia currently accounts for more than 50 per cent of world goat meat exports. In 2006-2007, Australia exported 75,344 goats, with Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore being Australia’s largest markets for live goats. - GMANews.TV