Benguet State University, through the Department of Animal Science under the College of Agriculture, conducts Manukang Matagumpay: a seminar on sustainable table egg production
at Beleng-Belis Barangay Hall, Kapangan, Benguet.
The seminar aimed to promote sustainable table egg production as an alternative and/or additional source of income and to equip layer management practices for the members of the Beling-Belis Farmers’ Association (BBFA) and other interested participants. The program began with a prayer led by a BBFA member. Followed by a welcome remark from the Punong Barangay, Hon. Thomas C. Begawen. He warmly welcomed the participants and lecturers, expressing gratitude for their attendance and support. After the welcome remarks, the seminar commenced, covering the fundamentals of table egg production, focusing on essential knowledge for starting farmers. The main topics consist of housing and lighting management, feeding and nutrition management, health management and biosecurity, waste management, and simple layer economics.
Leo S. Laruan, Chairperson of the Department of Animal Science – College of Agriculture, presented housing and lighting management. He highlighted the significance of good housing
design to maximize space and ease the cleaning of droppings. He presented the different housing systems of layers. He also introduced the use of a cage-free system that allows birds to exhibit natural behaviors, which is better for their welfare compared to caged systems. Followed by the proper use of lighting as a management tool for optimizing egg production. He explained why light is important in successful table egg production and how and when to use it to become an advantageous tool to increase egg production.
Mary Arnel D. Garcia, a faculty member of the Department of Animal Science – College of Agriculture, discussed feeding and nutrition, focusing on the transition period from feeding
ready-to-lay pullets to fully mature hens, along with management practices at the BSU Poultry Farm. Dr. Tom Engelbert Daguioan, a licensed veterinarian, addressed health management, addressing the common poultry diseases in Benguet Province. In his discussion, he highlighted the early detection of poultry diseases through signs and symptoms for proper documentation.
This is to help farmers and concerned personnel provide accurate diagnoses and treatments. He also discussed the differences between healthy and sick layer hens for isolation and culling,
along with biosecurity measures on the farm. Madeline S. Kingan, a faculty member of the Department of Animal Science – College of Agriculture, covered waste management, discussing not only waste from the poultry and livestock sectors but also from vegetable production. She emphasized how improper agricultural waste disposal affects the community as a whole. Finally, Laruan presented a short economics of layer production.
With a total of 37 participants, the activity successfully provided the members of BBFA and other interested parties with practical knowledge and skills in sustainable table egg production.
It not only strengthened their understanding of proper layer management but also inspired them to explore table egg production as a viable and sustainable source of income. As starting backyard raisers, they learned that successful and profitable table egg production begins with a small number of layers, then slowly increases as knowledge and experience grow.
Ultimately, the seminar reflects BSU’s continued commitment to community empowerment through inclusive extension services and support to sustainable agricultural development.
//Lenie M. Colcol & RHPicpican
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Manukang Matagumpay covers seminars and trainings under the poultry production conducted by the Department of Animal Science of the College of Agriculture. Among these are broiler
production, duck production, and table egg production.
