DTRI, DA-BAR launches NIR Technology-based project

DTRI, UPLB – With the aim to have a fast, effective, and inexpensive feed analysis system, the project “Calibration and Optimization of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for Nutrient Content Determination of Feedstuffs: A Tool for Reduced Feed Analyses Cost for Small-Hold Farmers and Government Research/Regulatory Institutions” was launched last September 3, 2019 at the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) Auditorium.. The project, funded by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) is a collaboration of DTRI-UPLB, DA Regional Feed Laboratories, state universities, and other stakeholders that would benefit from the project. This project is just among the various projects being launched and conducted by DTRI in gearing towards modernization and collaborative dairy science research.

Those present in the project launch were Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit J. (Dean, College of Agriculture and Food Science); Dr. Amado A. Angeles (Director, DTRI) and project staff; DA-BAR representatives: Marnelie Gadong-Subong, Jay Bermas, Rhea Desalesa, and Ian Panaga; and the UPLB Accounting Office represented by Joan Mendoza, Rhodora Violanta, and Ellen Asegurado. 

The results of the research project will enable feed manufacturers and users decide on what feed and feed ingredients they will use for their animals. This will also pave the way for farmers to afford services on identifying nutrient composition of their raw materials and complete feeds. Lastly, the study results will also benefit the different DA laboratories in the Philippines. 

 

 

NIRS project visits DA Feed Laboratories, SUCs

To forge a stronger collaboration among stakeholders, the Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) project team visited Department of Agriculture (DA) feed laboratories and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) last December 17 to 19, 2020. This is part of the information dissemination strategies of the said project of DTRI on NIRS. Among those visited were the Regional Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory of the DA (DA-RFCAL) in regions I, II, and III; Cagayan State University (CSU); and Central Luzon State University (CLSU). 

Apart from data accumulation from the laboratories, the project team conducted meetings with representatives from the above-mentioned institutions. In the meetings, DTRI director and project leader Dr. Amado A. Angeles seized the opportunity  to address the need to strengthen research, most especially in the dairy industry. Moreover, Dr. Angeles presented the need for faster and more affordable feed analysis services to cater farmers, students, and researchers to help them in the improvement of their respective fields. In turn, the visited laboratories and SUCs gave their full support for the project in the hopes to further cement contributions of their respected institutions to our agriculture.

The project team targets to visit DA-RFCAL and SCUs throughout the country for wider scope of collaboration and service.

 

PDRC Project 4 benchmarks somatic cell in milk of dairy cows in Batangas

The DTRI Project 4 team, led by Dr. Demetrio B. Marcial Jr., initiated in October 2019 the testing of raw milk in three dairy cattle farms in Tanauan and Lipa City, Batangas using the ImmunoCell California Mastitis Test (CMT) kits. This activity is part of the Philippine Dairy Research Consortium (PDRC) Project 4 on the Development of Farm-specific Protocols for the Reduction of Subclinical Mastitis in a Dairy Enterprise. It aims to establish the baseline for the somatic cell level of milk in cooperating farms.

The CMT is a qualitative cow-side test, which can be used by farmers to determine the somatic cell count (SCC) in raw milk of individual cows and the bulk milk prior to selling to processors.  The SCC in milk is an indication of on-going bacterial infection and may be used as a tool to diagnose subclinical mastitis cases in the farm.

Testing milk samples with CMT reagent. Gel formation indicates high SCC count.

The DTRI Project 4 is funded by DOST-PCAARRD through the Philippine Dairy Research Consortium (PDRC) Dairy Enhancement Program entitled Assisted Reproduction, Nutrition, and Health Interventions For Enhanced Dairy Cattle Productivity and Milk Safety. It aims to create specific management protocols to reduce subclinical mastitis in dairy farms. The reduction in subclinical mastitis should eventually increase the overall milk production of cooperating farms. The project started in December 2018 and will run for three years until the end of November 2021.

Calibration and Optimization of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for Nutrient Content Determination of Feedstuffs: A Tool for Reduced Feed Analyses Cost for Small-Hold Farmers and Government Research/Regulatory Institutions

Project ID : 16824
Project Leader : Angeles, Amado A.
Project Staff : Menandro M. Loresco, Victoria Eden S. Walitang, Aira Therese A. Aguirre-Reyes, Thalia J. Bacorro, Maria Karina P. Degoma, Ronela Angelika B. Narag and Angel A. Malabanan
Start Date : 01 January 2018
Expected End Date : 31 December 2020
Funding Agency : Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research