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The òòò½ÊÓƵ (PCAF) is undertaking its first fully agency-led evaluative study through the conduct of a nationwide assessment on dairy feed management, marking a significant milestone in the agency\u2019s research and policy development initiatives for the agriculture sector.<\/span><\/p>\n With technical assistance from the National Dairy Authority (NDA), PCAF is directly implementing the study\u2014from data gathering and analysis to report writing and completion of the assessment\u2014reflecting the agency\u2019s growing role in generating evidence-based inputs for policy and program development in the dairy industry.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis is the first time PCAF will fully implement an evaluative study,\u201d shared John Errasmus Mari Montiano, technical staff of the Project Development Section under the Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division, and one of the study\u2019s field researchers. \u201cThis differs from previous commissioned studies, in which PCAF only assisted with data gathering. This time, PCAF, with technical assistance from the National Dairy Authority, will fully conduct the study\u2014from data gathering and data analysis to report writing and completion of the study.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Assessing Dairy Feed Management Practices<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n The study seeks to assess current feeding practices, feed resources, and feed-related challenges encountered by dairy farmers and stakeholders across selected dairy-producing areas in the country. It also aims to generate baseline information and policy recommendations that can support interventions to improve dairy productivity, animal nutrition, and farm sustainability.<\/span><\/p>\n As part of the field activities, the PCAF study team has been conducting site visits, interviews, field observations, and validation activities with dairy farmers, cooperatives, associations, feed suppliers, technicians, and local government representatives.<\/span><\/p>\n The first leg of the data gathering activities was conducted in February 2026, serving as the initial phase of field validation and data collection for the study.<\/span><\/p>\n The second leg of field data gathering began from May 11\u201315, 2026, covering dairy farms and organizations in Batangas, Quezon, and Bukidnon. This was followed by a continuation of field activities in Iloilo from May 25\u201328, 2026, where the study team conducted additional data collection and verification activities among dairy stakeholders.<\/span><\/p>\n Across these field sites, the researchers gathered information on feed availability and accessibility, forage production systems, feed formulation practices, seasonal feed supply challenges, production costs, and the use of alternative or locally available feed materials. Field observations likewise documented the realities faced by dairy stakeholders, including rising commercial feed costs, climate-related effects on forage availability, and the need for strengthened technical support and research-driven feed innovations.<\/span><\/p>\n Capacity Building Prior to Field Activities<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Prior to the conduct of field activities, members of the data gathering team underwent an intensive three-day training program on Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and forage identification to help ensure the accuracy and consistency of field assessments and data collection procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n The training covered the principles and application of BCS for dairy cattle and buffaloes, as well as hands-on identification of key forage resources, including grasses, legumes, and crop residues. With these strengthened capabilities, PCAF personnel are set to apply standardized evaluation methods as field assessments continue nationwide.<\/span><\/p>\n Laboratory Analysis of Feed Samples<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Feed samples collected during the activities are being subjected to laboratory analysis to evaluate the nutritional quality of local feed resources, including their protein, energy, and fiber content. The results will be compared with commercially available feeds to help determine the effectiveness of local feed ingredients for dairy nutrition.<\/span><\/p>\n The laboratory analyses are also expected to support the prediction of animal performance indicators such as growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and reproductive performance based on the nutritional values obtained from the feed samples.<\/span><\/p>\n Longitudinal Approach Across Climatic Periods<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n According to Montiano, the study adopts a longitudinal panel approach in which the same group of farms will be observed across different climatic periods to capture seasonal variations affecting dairy feed management and animal performance.<\/span><\/p>\n The approach covers the cold-dry season from December to February, the hot-dry season from March to May, when heat stress and feed scarcity are more pronounced, and the wet season from June to November, which is characterized by rapid forage growth but also management challenges due to excessive moisture and declining forage quality.<\/span><\/p>\n Through this repeated-measures design, the study aims to determine how seasonal changes in forage availability, biomass, and environmental conditions influence milk production, animal body condition, and overall farm performance.<\/span><\/p>\n Continuing Field Activities<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n The next round of field activities is tentatively scheduled in August 2026 and will involve revisiting the same dairy farms and organizations previously covered during earlier rounds of fieldwork. This follow-up phase aims to document possible changes in feed conditions, management practices, and production-related concerns across different periods.<\/span><\/p>\n Supporting Evidence-Based Dairy Policies<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n The evaluative study aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the agriculture and fisheries sector through participatory and evidence-based approaches involving government agencies, industry stakeholders, farmer organizations, and the private sector. By engaging directly with dairy farmers and industry players, the study reinforces the importance of grounded field data in developing responsive and practical policy recommendations for the dairy sector.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pcaf.da.gov.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_3827.jpg\")
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