By Manny Pinol
In the continuing experiment to really develop an outstanding new strain of a Filipino meat and egg chicken breed, I virtually juggle the pieces of the breeding puzzle endlessly.
The purpose of the breeding experiment is to determine which of the genetic combinations, or simply called “crosses,” which I have right now would give me a poultry breed which has the firm and good tasting meat preferred by the Filipino taste bud.
Aside from that, I am,of course, conscious that I have to grow this chicken to the desired marketable weight in the free-range with natural food in a period of time which would make the endeavor profitable.
Right now, my target is to produce “Manok PiNoy” pullets which would hit the 1 kilo weight level in 90 days.
I have no problem with the cockerels because I have already proven in previous experiments that they could grow to 1 kilo in just 75 days.
So today, the farm workers gave the “Manok PiNoy” hens a bath which included delousing them to make sure that they do not have parasites in the body before they are placed in the breeding pens with new broodcocks.
Five months from now, this new genetic combination will validated by determining whether the new offsprings will possess the physical traits that I desire in the backyard chicken.
The desired traits include:
– Well-rounded body with firm muscles preferred by barbecue stalls and lechon manok houses;
– Fast growth to reach the 1-kilo weight level in three months in the free-range;
– Resistance to tropical diseases; and
– Outstanding egg-laying to ensure that our production of the meat chicken for the market would be sustained.
https://www.facebook.com/100044577333084/videos/340081046136608
October 29 2013
CALLING USM, PLEASE RESERVE
A SLOT FOR THIS VET STUDENT
By Manny Pinol
Yesterday, as I and my 11-year-old son, Bernhart Immanuel, walked hand in hand and toured our farm before he went back to school, he shared with me his thoughts on what he wanted to be in the future.
“Papa I am trying to make a choice between becoming a marine biologist or a veterinarian,” he told me as he looked into my eyes seeking my approval.
Imman has always loved animals and for a young boy, he loves to watch the TV show Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, History Channel, when others his age would be watching cartoons.
His understanding of nature is very profound.
One day, when I was about to stomp on a bee that landed in the porch of our farm house in Kidapawan City, Imman stopped me and reminded me that we needed the bee to pollinate our fruit trees.
I played my role as a father yesterday by helping him make a decision on what path to follow in his life.
“I need you to take over this farm when I grow old and die,” I told my son.
“Besides, if you become a marine biologist, you will leave me and this farm behind. I would like you beside me when I grow old and I when I would close my eyes for the last time,” I said.
I told him that nobody will take care of our “Manok PiNoy” if he leaves the farm and that veterinary medicine is being offered by the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan town which is just a 30-minute drive away from the farm.
“Okey then, I will be a veterinarian,” he finally said with a smile in his face before he hugged me.
So, calling on the Dean of Veterinary Medicine College of the USM: Please reserve a slot for this vet student six years from now.
I am sure you will have a well-mannered student whose love for animals is genuine and his understanding of the works of nature very deep and profound.
Eleven years from now, the Braveheart Farms will have Dr. Bernhart Immanuel Pinol, DVM who will continue the development of the new Philippine poultry breed, Manok PiNoy.
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