GOOD ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

PRACTICES FOR BEEF CATTLE

AND BUFFALO
CODE OF PRACTICE
PNS/BAFS 200:2023
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Canva,n.d

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STANDARDS
 Explanatory Manual

Good Animal Husbandry Practices for Beef Cattle

and Buffalo - Code of Practice (PNS/BAFS
200:2023)

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)

Quezon City, 2023
Contributors: Dr. Jesalyn L. Constante, Dr. Rio John T. Ducusin, Ms. Phoebe
Lyndia T. Llantada, Ms. Katrina L. Maminta, Ms. Aubrey Katreena L.
Ramos, Dr. Glenn M. Reyes, Dr. Randolph B. Tolentino

Edited By: Karen Kristine A. Roscom, PFT, PhD

Mary Grace R. Mandigma, PFT

Layout and Design: Ms. Aubrey Katreena L. Ramos and Ms. Katrina Maminta

Manual Cover Photo: Canva Open Source and Ms. Aubrey Katreena L. Ramos

DA-BAFS encourages the reproduction and dissemination of material in this knowledge

product. Non-commercial uses will be authorized free of charge upon request. Applications
for permission to reproduce or disseminate these materials and all other inquiries shall be
addressed to the publisher.

Published by:
Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS)
Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
(+632) 8928 8756 to 65 local 3301 – 3325
[email protected] | [email protected]

ISBN 978-621-455-503-1 (PDF)

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the
expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries (BAFS)
Secretariat concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or
concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Mention of company names or commercial
products does not imply endorsement by the Bureau.

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Foreword

In the year 2022, an assessment of PNS/BAFS 200:2017 was conducted to ensure its
alignment with the ASEAN Good Animal Husbandry Practice (GAHP) for Beef Cattle and
Buffalo. This effort aligns with ASEAN Member States (AMS) 's commitment to fully
harmonizing their national standards with ASEAN standards. The outcome of the alignment
activity indicated a harmonization rate of 69% for PNS 200:2017.

During the same year, the results of the alignment assessment were presented at the 6th
Meeting of the Expert Working Group (EWG) on ASEAN GAHP. The EWG concurred with the
self-assessment, confirming the alignment of PNS/BAFS 200:2017 with the ASEAN GAHP on
Beef Cattle.

In response to this alignment initiative, the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agriculture

and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) established a Technical Working Group (TWG) to amend
PNS/BAFS 200:2017 through DA Special Order (SO) No. 617, series of 2022. This
amendment, as outlined in Special Order No. 487, series of 2022, titled "Creation of TWG
for the Development of PNS for Agriculture and Fishery Products, Machineries, and
Infrastructures," effectively supersedes the previous PNS/BAFS 200:2017, which underwent
technical refinement.

Subsequently, with the aim of providing comprehensive guidance on the provisions of the
PNS, an Explanatory Manual (EM) has been developed for the PNS Good Animal Husbandry
Practice - Code of Practice by a separate TWG created through Special Order No. 272,
series 2023, titled “Creation of Technical Working Group for the Development of Knowledge
Products of Philippine Nationatl Standards (PNS). An Explanatory Manual, or EM, serves as
valuable reference material, offering supplementary information, clarifications, and
photographs pertaining to the provisions and requirements of the PNS.

This Explanatory Manual serves as a helpful companion, enhancing the user's understanding
of the PNS. Its development is the result of a series of TWG meetings, workshops, and data-
gathering activities, all aimed at effectively conveying the requirements of the PNS.
Director's Message

We are pleased to introduce the

Explanatory Manual for the PNS
Good Animal Husbandry Practice
(GAHP) for Beef Cattle and Buffalo -
Code of Practice, carefully
developed for its intended users.

As highlighted in the State of the

Nation Address (SONA) of President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July 2023, our
nation faces the challenge of
enhancing agricultural production
through consolidation, modernization,
mechanization, and improvement of
value chains. Likewise, ensuring food
security is of utmost importance,
guided by science, for the well-being
of current and future generations.

As part of the solution, we advocate the adoption of the PNS GAHP for Beef Cattle and
Buffalo - Code of Practice. The Bureau is dedicated to promoting the use of the PNS, and as
a result, we have developed this Explanatory Manual to provide valuable information to the
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), as the regulatory agency, along with other agencies within
the Department of Agriculture (DA), and all the relevant stakeholders involved in this sector.

Our hope is that this Explanatroy Manual will serve as a valuable resource, aiding the BAI
and other relevant stakeholders in their operations. By promoting the adoption of the PNS,
we take a significant step towards achieving safe and sustainable beef cattle and buffalo
production.

We thank everyone for their continued support and dedication to the advancement of our
livestock industry.

KAREN KRISTINE A. ROSCOM, PhD

Director IV
 Table of Contents

Foreword

Section 1 Scope 1

Section 2 Normative References 3

Section 3 Definition of Terms 5

Section 4 General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers 8

Section 5 Legal Responsibilities of the Farm Operator/Owner 20

Section 6 Animal Welfare Responsibilities 25

Section 7 Farm Location 30

Section 8 Animal Housing 34

Section 9 Facilities 50

Section 10 Farm Management 60

Section 11 Animal Health Management 75

Section 12 Animal Welfare Management 85

Section 13 Animal Transportation 87

Section 14 Biosecurity Measures 92

Section 15 Personal Hygiene and Farm Sanitation Program 96

Section 16 Environmental Management 101

Section 17 Review and Evaluation of Practices 105

Annexes 107

References 125

Technical Working Group 137

 Section 1

Scope
Section 1 Scope

1 Scope

This Standard sets out the general principles of good practice and minimum
requirements in the commercial or backyard rearing/farming of beef cattle and buffalo
for food use. Industry specific requirements for the different types of animals and
different types of production system may be developed provided that they satisfy the
minimum requirements set out in this Code.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

2
 Section 2

Normative References
Section 2 Normative References

2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of
their contents constitute the requirements of this document. The latest edition of the
referenced documents (including any amendments) applies.

An Act amending certain sections of Republic Act no. 8485, otherwise known as “The
Animal Welfare Act of 1998”, Republic Act No. 10631. (2013).
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/10/03/republic-actno-10631/
Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC)-University of the
Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). (2001). Cattle feedlot (PNS/PAES 405:2001).
https://docplayer.net/200400726-Philippineagricultural-engineering-standard-
paes-405-2001-agriculturalstructures-cattle-feedlot.html
AMTEC-UPLB. (2001). Cattle ranch (PNS/PAES 406:2001). https://amtec.ceat.
uplb.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/406- 1.pdf
AMTEC-UPLB. (2001). Carabao feedlot (PNS/PAES 408:2001).
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsd
GRvbWFpbnxncmFjZWxhb3JkZW5zYW50aXNhc3xneDo1YjAwYzc zNjdlYjAwZGZl
Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of Agriculture (DA).
(2017). Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for beef cattle and buffalo
(PNS/BAFS 200:2017). https://bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/
pns_file/PNS%20BA FS%20200-2017-GAHP%20Beef.pdf
BAFS-DA. (2022). Swine – Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) (PNS/BAFS
267:2022). https://bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/pns_file/2022-12-
29- PNS.BAFS%20267.2022_PNS%20Swine%20%E2%80%94%20Good
%20Animal%20Husbandry%20Practices%20(GAHP)%20(1).pdf
Department of Agriculture (DA). (2008). Administrative Order (AO) No. 06 series of
2008 “Accreditation of foreign rendering plants exporting processed animal
proteins to the Philippines.” https://nmis.gov.ph/images/pdf/ao-06-2008.pdf

Office International des Epizooties (OIE). (2018). Bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Terrestrial animal health code. https://www.woah.org/fileadmin/Home/eng/
Health_standards/tahc/2018/ en_chapitre_bse.htm#chapitre_bse
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

4
 Section 3

Definition of Terms
Explanatory notes on the provisions of the standards are found inside the yellow boxes.
Additional information are presented as notes and/or images. Section numbers of the
manual mirrors the content of the PNS.
Section 3 Definition of Terms

3 Definition of Terms

For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply:

3.1 Abnormal behavior

any behavioral change developed as a response to disease or poor management
practice causing stress to the animal (BAFS, 2017)

3.2 Animal
large ruminant (e.g. cattle, buffalo,) livestock conventionally raised or reared for food
and non-food (e.g. animal by-products such as leather, etc.) purposes (BAFS, 2017)

3.3 Authorized
that which has been permitted by the competent authority (BAFS, 2017)

3.4 Beef cattle

bovine animal that has been genetically selected primarily for meat production (BAFS,
2017)

3.5 Buffalo
bubaline animal that has been genetically selected primarily for meat production
(BAFS, 2017)

3.7 Dam
female animal used for breeding and having given birth at least once (BAFS, 2017)

3.8 Dehorning
removal of horns after they have already formed (BAFS, 2017)

3.9 Disbudding
removal or destruction of horn buds, done in young animals whose horns have not yet
formed (BAFS, 2017)

3.10 Establishment
given due permission, a firm authorized to operate (BAFS, 2017)

3.11 Farm operator (farm owner)

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legal entity who is responsible for the management and general operation of the farm;
the term maybe used interchangeably (BAFS, 2017)

3.12 Farm technician

a certified trained personnel who is technically skilled and knowledgeable in the various
aspects of specialized farm operation (BAFS, 2017)

3.13 Farm worker

trained personnel directly responsible for the rearing of animals (BAFS, 2017)

6
Definition of Terms Section 3

3.14 Feeds
any single or multiple materials, whether processed, semi-processed or raw, which is
intended to be fed directly to domesticated animals to meet the nutrient requirements
in order to maintain life, promote growth, production and reproduction (BAFS, 2017)

3.15 Feed supplement

refers to a feed ingredient or mixture of feed ingredients intended to supply the
deficiencies in a ration or improve the nutritive balance or performance of the total
mixture (BAFS, 2017)

3.16 Forage
anything grown on the ground intended for use as animal feed, whether for grazing, cut
and-carry, ensiling, or haying (BAFS, 2017)

3.17 Gait
way of walking or pace of the animals (BAFS, 2017)

3.18 Ration
total amount of feed given for one day (BAFS, 2017)

3.19 Rearing (farming)

the act of raising of animals (BAFS, 2017)

3.20 Vehicle
any means of transporting large animals, including but not limited to trucks, tractors,
trailers, trains, ferries, and ships (BAFS, 2017)

3.21 Weaning
process of complete withdrawal from the dam and withdrawal of milk feeding (BAFS,
2017)

Explanatory Note:

For more detailed information, weaning can be described as a process of removal of the
calf from the dam after birth or full withdrawal of milk feeding.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

7
 Section 4

General Skills and Responsibilities of the

Farm Operators and Workers
The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.
 Section 4
General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers

4 General Skills and Responsibilities

4.1 The farm owner/operator and farm workers should undergo training on the
necessary knowledge and skills about basic procedures of farm management
including the correct handling of animal, pasture development, forage
development, feeding management, animal health management and, other
routine management practices and usage of farm tools or equipment and should
be reviewed on a regular basis (BAFS, 2017; ASEAN).

Explanatory Note:
Farmers' lack of skills and training results in the failure of many farmers' organizations to
manage the farm (Ocampo, 2020). DA offices that can provide training are the
Department of Agriculture (DA) - Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the DA Regional
Field Offices (RFO). The DA-ATI can provide extension services such as training, farm and
business advisory services, technology demonstration, and information, education, and
communication (IEC) support services (ATI, n.d.).

The DA-ATI contact information is:

Address: ATI Building, Elliptical Road, Diliman Quezon City

Trunkline: +632 89298541 to 49
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ati2.da.gov.ph

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in 2009 advised to evaluate and
determine the training needs before the conduct of training since the field of animal
husbandry is constantly evolving with new measures and techniques.

Farmers and farm managers are further encouraged to:

actively seek and use relevant training opportunities for themselves and their workers;
be aware of any training courses that may be compulsory in their localities; and
keep records of all training attended.

4.2 The farm owner/operator should be responsible for the welfare of the animals by
giving adequate provisions so that they are able to perform at their
optimum levels (BAFS, 2017).
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Explanatory Note:

Animal welfare refers to an animal's physical and mental state in relation to the
conditions in which it lives and dies. Owners or managers of livestock should apply
animal welfare practices (WOAH, 2023).

The Philippines passed the "Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic
Act (RA) No. 8485, otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended by
RA 10631". This Law aims to protect and promote the welfare of all animals, focusing on
the five basic freedoms of animals.

9
Section 4 General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers

Image 1. Cover page of Animal Welfare Act of 1998

as amended by Republic Act 10631

4.3 The farm operator/owner should provide farm workers with appropriate attire
and footwear for protective measures (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:
The following are the prescribed clothes for
general husbandry and routine
examination/procedure:
coveralls;
rubber boots; and
hard hat (optional).

Image 2. Personnel wearing appropriate

working clothes for general husbandry and
examinations/procedures

4.4 Appropriate working uniform/attire and footwear, as prescribed by the farm

management, should be provided to visitors who need to be at the
production area, as may be deemed necessary (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:
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Image 3. Prescribed farm attire

which includes disposable
coveralls, disposable rubber
boots, and face mask. Source: PCC, n.d

10
General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers Section 4

4.5 In cases of housed staff, the farm owner/operator should provide comfortable
accommodation for the workers (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Farm accommodation varies immensely. Owners may offer staff house for an individual,
shared, or live off-farm. Employees' accommodations are usually in a safe (area) state
with functioning appliances.

Before a staff moves in, a property inspection report for each room needs to be
completed together with the employer and employee, and any existing damage
recorded. Thus, it is essential that both parties understand accommodation expectations
and legal requirements.

(a) (b)

(c)

(e)
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Image 4. The (a) exterior and (b) interior of

the staff house provided for farm workers
include (c) kitchen with basic appliances,
(d) (d) bathroom, and (e) toilet and bath.

11
Section 4 General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers

4.6 The farm owner/operator should always promote a safe and healthy working
condition in the farm. Accident and emergency procedures should be available
with clear instructions for all workers. First aid kits, fire extinguishing equipment,
and information on hotline numbers should be easily available at all times, and
placed conspicuously in strategic locations (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:
The first aid provider is usually designated on the farm and is available to execute
the procedures for administering emergency first aid. The first aid provider is
equipped through proper training to provide emergency first aid.

Per the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Department Order (DO) No.
235 series of 2022, also known as Rules on the Certification of First Aiders and the
Accreditation of First Aid Training Providers, the designated first aider shall take the
minimum certification training course based on the establishment's employment size
and risk level as shown below:
Table 1. Types of first aid certification training courses
Training courses Employment Size Risk level

Emergency first aid training <9 Low, Medium, and High

Occupational first aid and

10-50 Low
Basic life support training

Standard first aid and 10-50 Medium and High/

Basic life support training > 51 Low, Medium, and High
Note: Department Order No. 235 series of 2022

First aid kits and fire extinguishers that are placed strategically can aid in emergency
situations.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Source: PCC, 2023 Source: PCC, 2023

Image 5a. First aid kit located in Image 5b. Fire extinguisher
house pen located in an office building

12
General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers Section 4

The presence of Standard Operating

Procedures (SOP) provides step-by-step
procedures in the farm or a certain task.
Moreover, it provides all personnel with the
necessary information on how to perform
specific tasks, especially in cases when the
person responsible is unavailable or unable
to carry out the work. The availability of an
SOP allows for continuity of operations
even in the absence of designated
individuals.

Image 5c. Sample of Standard Operating

Procedures (SOP)
Source: UPLB, n.d.

4.7 Farm personnel to animal ratio should be included in the farm operation manual
including the services of a farm supervisor/manager and veterinarian (BAFS, 2022).

Explanatory Note:

The farm operations manual serves as a guide for farm owners, farm workers, and
visitors in the activities of the farm. The determination of the farm personnel-to-animal
ratio typically depends on factors such as the size of the farm, the number of animals
being raised, and the specific requirements and needs of the animals.

4.8 The farm owner/operator should ensure that all farm workers undergo annual
routine health check-up/medical examination.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Explanatory Note:
Farm owners take into account the health of farm personnel/farm workers. As stated
in the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards, protecting every workman
against the dangers of injury, sickness, or death through safe and healthful working
conditions will assure the conservation of valuable manpower resources and the
prevention of loss or damage to lives and properties (DOLE, 1989).

13
Section 4 General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers

In addition, according to Republic Act No. 11058 or the "Act Strengthening Compliance
with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations
Thereof," it is the worker's duty to ensure compliance with OSH standards in the
workplace by properly using all safeguards and safety devices furnished for the workers'
protection.

To assess the medical condition of the farm worker or monitor their health status,
below is the list of medical tests/check-ups that may be done to ensure the health and
safety of workers who are publicly and privately employed:

1. Physical examination
2. Chest X-Ray
3. Complete Blood Count
4. Urinalysis
5. Stool examination
6. Electrocardiogram (for employees that are 40 years old and above)

Checking farm workers regularly for possible diseases is a crucial preventive measure to
minimize transmission of diseases and help protect animal health, and promote the well-
being of both the farm worker and animals.

There are also zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that originate in animals and can
be transmitted to humans through direct contact with animals or indirectly through the
consumption of contaminated food. Some examples of zoonotic diseases include the
following:

Bovine This can cause pulmonary infection in humans caused

Tuberculosis by Mycobacterium bovis. Agricultural workers may
become infected by inhaling bacteria via the coughing
of infected cattle. Humans can also present urogenital
infections and M. bovis shedding in the urine is a
potential reverse zoonosis from humans to cattle
(McDaniel et al., 2014).

Rift Valley Fever It is an acute hemorrhagic fever commonly seen in

domesticated animals including cattle and buffalo. This
disease is caused by RFV virus (CDC, n.d.) “RVF virus
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can be acquired through the handling of infected

animals” (McDaniel et al., 2014).

Anthrax It is a serious infectious disease caused by Bacillus

anthracis. Humans can acquire anthrax through contact
with infected animals or ingestion of contaminated
meat (CDC, n.d.).

14
General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers Section 4

4.9 The farm operator should report immediately or within 24 hours to relevant
authorities, any incidence of abnormal behavioral changes, health conditions and
mortalities in the farm or any characteristic of a reportable/notifiable disease
outbreak (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

In the Philippines, the Joint DOH-DA-DENR Administrative Order No. 02 series of 2020
titled "Guidelines to Operationalize the Philippine Inter-Agency Committee on
Zoonoses (PhilCZ)," provides guidelines for reporting zoonoses in livestock, poultry, and
other domestic animals as follows:

1. Field reports of sick or dead animals with notifiable zoonotic diseases from
livestock Inspectors, Inspectors/Agricultural Technicians, meat inspectors,
barangay response teams, DA Quick Response Teams, veterinary private
practitioners, as well as from the community shall be reported immediately to
the Municipal/City/Provincial Veterinary Office (MVO/CVO/PVO) and BAI.

Note: Whenever there are no Veterinary Offices in the concerned local

government, reports shall be submitted to the immediately concerned
veterinarians in the Provincial Veterinary Office.

2. These local government veterinary/agriculture offices shall verify and report to

their respective DA-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) in coordination with the
Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL). The DA-RFO shall then
report and coordinate with the BAI (Animal Health and Welfare Division) and
Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory or ADDRL, formerly the
Philippine Animal Health Center regarding disease investigations and laboratory
testing.

3. The BAI shall also inform the DA-RFO, DOH Regional Offices (RO), and local
government veterinary/agriculture offices of similar reports received from other
sources for verification and reporting.

4. The BAI shall also confirm and validate if the case is suggestive of a zoonotic
disease or not and inform the DA RFO and NMIS Central Office (NMIS CO)
immediately. In turn, the DA RFO shall inform the concerned LGU veterinarians,
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and the NMIS CO shall inform its concerned Regional Technical Operation
Center (RTOC) and Meat Inspection Officers of the results. The BAI can also
directly inform the LGU. Cases of zoonotic diseases (suspected/confirmed by
the BAI) shall be reported immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture.

5. The Secretary of Agriculture shall immediately inform the Secretary of Health

and the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources once a zoonotic
disease is confirmed.

15
Section 4 General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers

Schematic diagram of reporting zoonoses

Reports immediately if there are

Farm / Farm Owner sick or dead animals to relevant
authorities

Livestock Inspectors, Note: If there are no Veterinary

Report immediately sick or dead offices available in the local
Inspectors/Agricultural
animals (with notifiable diseases) government, reports shall be
Technicians, meat inspectors,
to Municipal/ City/ Provincial submitted to Provincial
barangay response teams, DA
Agriculture Office Agriculture Office
Quick Response Teams,
(MVO/ CVO/ PVO)
veterinary private practitioners

Local government veterinary / Verify and report to their

agriculture respective DA-RFO

Report and coordinate with the

Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Animal Industry -
Regional Field Office (DA-
Animal Health and Welfare
RFO) in coordination with the
Division (BAI - AHWD) regarding
Regional Animal Disease
disease investigations and
Diagnositc Laboratory (RADDL)
laboratory testing

Confirm and validate if the case

Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) is suggestive of a zoonotic
disease or not

Zoonotic disease or
NO
not?

YES

Inform immediately the DA-RFO Note: DA-RFO shall inform the

and NMIS Central Office (NMIS LGU or BAI can also inform
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CO) directly the LGU once a zoonotic

Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) disease is confirmed; NMIS CO
Report immediately to the DA shall inform NMIS Regional
Technical Operation Center and
Secretary
Meat Inspection Officers

Inform the Secretary of Health

and Environment and Natural
DA Secretary Resources once a zoonotic
disease is confirmed

16
General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers Section 4

The competent authority is responsible for ensuring or supervising the implementation of

public health, animal health and welfare, and biodiversity protection and conservation.
It is also responsible for international disease notification. The disease notification table
summarizes the detail of notifying diseases.
Table 2. Disease notification table
In
Submission To be completed Under the
Report collaboration
time by supervision of
with

Within 24 hours
after
Focal Point for
Immediate confirmation of
Animal Disease
notification the exceptional
Notification
epidemiological
event

Weekly after an Focal Point for

Follow-up
immediate Animal Disease
reports
notification Notification

Six-month Focal Point National

reports (for Within 1 month Focal Point for (FP) for Wildlife delegate
terrestrial and after the end of Animal Disease + FP for
aquatic animal a semester Notification Aquatic
diseases) animals

At the end of
the year, after
validation of the Focal Point for
Wildlife annual Focal Point for
2 six-month Animal Disease
report wildlife
reports for Notification
terrestrial
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animal diseases

(Source: WOAH, n.d.)

Immediate notification reports (from the competent authority of the member country)
as stated in the WOAH-listed diseases are submitted within 24 hours of disease
confirmation, while follow-up reports are submitted on a weekly basis.

Farm personnel should immediately report to the veterinarian if there are diseases
observed, or if the number of mortalities continues to increase, and subsequently take
appropriate measures.

17
Section 4
General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers

In some instances, when no veterinary doctor is available nearby, the farm personnel
may immediately inform (including the observable signs and symptoms) the veterinary
doctor virtually. The doctor will provide his/her diagnosis and instruct personnel on the
necessary actions.

Below are examples of notifiable diseases that can be found in cattle (WOAH, n.d.):

1. Bovine anaplasmosis
2. Bovine babesiosis
3. Bovine genital campylobacteriosis
4. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
5. Bovine tuberculosis
6. Bovine viral diarrhoea
7. Enzootic bovine leukosis
8. Haemorrhagic septicaemia
9. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/infectious pustular vulvovaginitis
10. Infection with Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. Mycoides SC (Contagious
bovine pleuropneumonia)
11. Theileriosis
12. Trichomonosis
13. Trypanosomosis (Tsetse-transmitted)

4.10 The farm operator should keep and maintain complete records of farm operations,
management routines, environmental management, and animal health records like
disease monitoring and medication for traceability purposes (ASEAN, 2019).

Explanatory Note:
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Image 6b. Sample of health

record in ruminants showing
Image 6a. Sample of an individual water buffalo the date, test performed and
identification, production and health record medications given

18
 Section 4
General Skills and Responsibilities of the Farm Operators and Workers

Image 6c. Sample of animal death

report with date, sex, animal
identification, age and cause of death

Image 6d. Sample of animal disposal

report with details such as animal
type, date, sex and age

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19
 Section 5

Legal Responsibilities of the Farm

Operator/Owner
The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.
Legal Responsibilities of the Farm Operator/Owner Section 5

5 Legal Responsibilities of the Farm Operator/Owner

5.1 The farm owner should conform to existing animal farming and welfare
legislation. This covers the management of environment issues, farm location,
animal welfare requirements, disease control and reporting, dead animal
disposal, production of wholesome food and occupational hazards associated
with animal farming (BAFS,2017).

Explanatory Note:

Existing legislation and other issuances related to animal farming and welfare are
briefly discussed below. It is advisable to seek information from the authorities and
related agencies for updated and more detailed issuances.

Table 3. Legislations and other issuances related to animal farming and welfare

Activities Legislation and other Issuances

Animal Welfare Act (Republic Act No. 8485)

This provides for the protection and promotion of the welfare
of all animals in the Philippines. It prohibits cruel acts such as
Animal welfare maltreatment, torture, and killing of animals, and sets
standards for their proper care and treatment. More details on
animal welfare are discussed in Section 6 (Animal Welfare
Responsibilities) of this Explanatory Manual.

Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System

(Presidential Decree No. 1586)
This provides a framework for assessing the potential
environmental impacts of many activities, including livestock
farming. Pursuant to Section 4 of PD 1856, no person,
partnership, or corporation shall undertake or operate any
declared environmentally critical project or area without first
Management of securing the Environmental Compliance Certificate.
environment issues
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

Revised Guidelines For Coverage Screening and
Standardized Requirements (EMB Memorandum Circular
005)
This provides guidelines for the coverage screening process
and standardization of requirements under the Philippine
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system.

21
Section 5 Legal Responsibilities of the Farm Operator/Owner

Table 3 (continuation). Legislations and other issuances related to animal farming and
welfare

Activities Legislation and other Issuances

The circular outlines the procedures, criteria, and forms for the
coverage screening process, as well as the requirements for
obtaining an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for
Management of
projects within the EIA system's scope.
environment issues
(continuation)
Environmental issues are usually addressed during the
application for an Environmental Compliance Certificate
(ECC) or Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC).

Department of Agriculture (DA) Revised Guidelines on the

Reporting of Notifiable Diseases to the Comptent
Veterinary Authority (DA Administrative Circular No. 08
Series of 2021, amending DA AC No. 3 Series of 2018)
This covers the guidelines on animal disease reporting and the
Disease control and list of animal diseases to be reported to the Competent
reporting Veterinary Authority. This Circular aims to improve the reporting
of disease and outbreak investigation for better scope and
comprehension of the animal disease situation in the country
and to strengthen the implementation of the prevention,
control and eradication of emerging and re-emerging animal
diseases.
Note: Please note that the information provided above is not an exhaustive list of the legislation
pertaining to animal farming and welfare. To obtain the most recent and comprehensive information
regarding animal farming and welfare legislation, it is essential to consult the competent authority
responsible for overseeing these matters.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

22
Legal Responsibilities of the Farm Operator/Owner Section 5

Image 7a.
Sample of Environmental Compliance
Certificate (ECC)

Source: DENR, n.d

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 7b.
Sample of Certificate of Non-
Source: PCC, n.d Coverage

23
Section 5 Legal Responsibilities of the Farm Operator/Owner

5.2 The farm operator should conform to existing labor legislation (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Source: Fair shipping, n.d

Image 8. Sample of Certificate of Compliance with
General Labor Standards
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

24
 Section 6

Animal Welfare Responsibilities

The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.
Section 2
Section 6 Animal Welfare Responsibilities

6 Animal Welfare Responsibilities

6.1 The farm workers should not cause cruelty to animals, in accordance with the
Republic Act 10631 (An Act amending certain sections of Republic Act 8485),
otherwise known as "The animal welfare act of 1998" such as:
a. Maltreatment of animals under his/her care and attention.
.

Explanatory Note:

The following are the examples of activities that show cruelty to animals which can be
grounds for complaint:
1. Animals are in immediate danger of death or harm.
2. Animals are hurt or abused.
3. Neglected or abandoned animals
4. Animals are suffering from untreated injury or disease.
5 Animals are not receiving adequate food, water and/or shelter.
6. Animals are being used in illegal activity (e.g., water gavage).
7. Animals have been deliberately poisoned (other than for the control
of declared pests).
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
recommends using a systematic approach to humane handling and slaughter of livestock
in a way that minimizes excitement, discomfort, and accidental injury the entire time
livestock is held in connection with slaughter. Furthermore, to develop and maintain a
systematic approach to meet the humane handling requirements, FSIS has stated that
establishments should follow four steps:
1. Conduct an initial assessment of where and under what circumstances livestock
may experience excitement, discomfort, or accidental injury while being
handled.
2. Design facilities and implement practices that will minimize excitement,
discomfort, and accidental injury to livestock.
3. Evaluate handling methods periodically.
4. Improve handling practices and modify facilities when necessary.

b. Neglect of animal, such that it experiences pain, suffering or distress.

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Explanatory Note:

Based on Section 6 of the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, "it shall be unlawful for any
person to torture any animal or to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or
shelter, or maltreat any animal."

26
 Section 2
Animal Welfare Responsibilities Section 6

c. Failure to implement the proper feeding program to maintain the live weight
of the animal within the normal physiological range for the species type, age
and sex.

Explanatory Note:

A proper feeding program considers age, sex, breed, stage of lactation, and health
condition. Cattle can be fattened based on the roughage-concentrate ratio. Roughages
and concentrates are feed resource types (Philippine Carabao Center, 2009). A proper
ratio of roughage to concentrate helps improve nutrient utilization efficiency. Hence, in
providing roughage, good quality grass-legume mixture (pasture herbage) should be
assured (Reddy Y.R., 2016). Below are examples of roughages and concentrates:

Types of feed resources:

Roughages These are feed resources coming from grasses (native and improved
pasture) and legumes (shrubs, vines and fodder trees) (Philippine
Carabao Center, 2009).

Concentrates These are feed resources coming from mash and pellet form. These
contains high energy and protein than grasses and either pure or
mixtures of different feed ingredients of energy source and protein
sources (Philippine Carabao Center, 2009).

d. Removal of any part of the anatomy without adequate anesthesia, whenever

applicable.

Explanatory Note:

Local anesthesia using lidocaine (testicular, spermatic cord blocks, or epidurals) mitigates
the distress of the process but does not prevent the cortisol response or postoperative
behavior changes. Preoperative Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) improve
the cortisol response but are not sufficient pain control for the procedure.
Appropriate and adequate restraint and application of analgesia or anesthesia are
considered when removing horns, testicles, hoof, tail, udder, or other organs.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

The type of restraint used on cattle depends on the animal's age, sex, breed, and
previous exposure to people. The types of restraint generally used for ruminants:
chemical, physical and psychological means see Annex A.

27
 Section 2
Section 6 Animal Welfare Responsibilities

e. Putting to sleep (euthanasia), confining, handling or transporting any

animal in a manner causing deliberate pain, suffering or distress.

Explanatory Note:

Euthanasia is a process of inducing humane and painless death to animals and is only
performed by a duly licensed veterinarian. The DA Administrative Order (AO) No. 09 series
of 2011 also known as "Amendments to Section 6.2.a.a and Section 7 of DA
Administrative Order No. 13, Series of 2010 (Revised Rules and Regulations on the
Euthanasia of Animals)" set standards on all activities relating to the conduct of
euthanasia of animals and specifies the approved methods for euthanasia. More details
are available on the DA-BAI's website at www.bai.da.gov.ph.

For beef cattle and buffalo, the acceptable agent and methods of euthanasia are
barbiturates, penetrating captive bolt and firearms (gunshot).

f. Keeping an animal alive, especially that which is pronounced physically

or physiologically incapacitated, unless it is under the direct care of a
licensed and registered veterinarian (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory note:

Incapacitated animals can be described as recumbent, immobile, and regarded as

unconscious due to lack of physiological responses from a distance, but may not be
clinically dead (Stokke, 2018).

A licensed and registered veterinarian can provide direct care since the primary focus
of veterinarians is to oversee the well-being and clinical care of animals, monitoring
and promoting animal well-being at all times during animal use and all phases of the
animal’s life.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 9. Physically
incapacitated cow

28
Section 2
Animal Welfare Responsibilities Section 6

6.2 The farm technicians and workers should not neglect animals according to the
following criteria:
a. Freedom from hunger and thirst and malnutrition. Feed withdrawal of
animals destined for slaughter should follow the guidelines set by
the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS);

b. Freedom from physical discomfort and pain;

c. Freedom from injury and disease;

d. With due consideration to the differences in the production system

(confined and free-range/grazing), animals should be given enough
freedom to conform to essential behavior patterns; and

e. Freedom from fear and distress (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:
To further elaborate the five freedoms of animal
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
Providing accessible potable water and monitor the diet to maintain healthy
vigor
2. Freedom from physical discomfort and pain
Providing an appropriate environment, including shelter (e.g size and
space of pens) for comfortable resting area
3. Freedom from injury and disease
Providing disease preventive measures and treatment
4. Freedom to conform to essential behavior patterns
Providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's
own kind (same species)
5. Freedom from fear and distress
Ensuring proper conditions and treatment to avoid mental suffering
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 10. Sample poster

showing the five freedoms of
animals

29
 Section 7

Farm Location
The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.

Source: Google maps

 Section
Section27
Farm Location

7 Site selection
The farm should:

a. Be strategically located within the approved land use plan of the local
government and should be compliant with the DENR regulations and other
regulations as prescribed by law (e.g, Laguna Lake Development Authority).

Explanatory Note:

Possible considerations in strategically selection the farm locations for a new or

expanded livestock operation include:
1. Distance to neighboring residences
2. Direction of prevailing winds in relation to neighbors
3. An adequate source of water
4. Access to land for manure application
5. Topography and soil type
6. Proximity to surface water bodies, sinkholes, and flood plains
7. Depth to groundwater
Moreover, the farm preferably has good access to markets, roads and highways, and
electricity, depending on the need (Missouri University Extension, n.d.)

Image 11a. Philippine

Carabao Center (PCC)
farm layout, located
strategically near city
Source: PCC, n.d proper
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 11b. National Beef

Cattle Research and
Development Center
(NBCRDC) farm layout,
accessible to major roads
and highways

31
Section 7
Farm Location

In addition, as one example provided in this section of this manual (a), the Republic Act
No. 4850, also known as the Laguna Lake Development Authority Act, created the Laguna
Lake Development Authority (LLDA). The LLDA is responsible for land use planning and
zoning within Laguna Lake to ensure sustainable development and prevent activities that
may harm the lake's ecosystem.

Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 41 of R.A 4850, as amended, states the use
of the Laguna de Bay shoreland areas shall be strictly regulated. Agricultural use may be
allowed in all lands located at and below elevation of 12.50 meters provided that:

1. The use of fertilizers shall be regulated based on DA-FPA.

2. Use of less persistent pesticides shall be required (i.e. Category IV of FPA
Standards)
3. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is practiced
4. Such use does not result in land reclamation

b. Have a continuous supply of adequate power and potable water;

Explanatory Note:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Source: PCC, 2023

Image 12a. Water tank Image 12b. Water tank

32
 Section 2
Section 7
Farm Location

c. Be accessible to major facilities of production (i.e. feed mill, water system,

forage area).

Explanatory Note:

Image 13a. Napier grass located near the working corral

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 13b. Forage area located in the front of the farm

33
Section 7 Farm Location

d. With the exception for those practicing integrated farming with their
own post-harvest facilities, the farm should not be near service/public
slaughterhouses.

Explanatory Note:

Wastewater from slaughterhouses is considered a major water polluter as it contains

nitrogen and phosphorus that triggers toxic algal outbreaks and causes dead zones. It
also harbors bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pose a threat to water quality making it
unsafe for drinking, recreation, or for use in irrigation (Ridllington et al., 2021).

In Integrated Farming System (IFS), on the other hand, farm by-products and other
available resources are utilized through recycling (Ridllington et al., 2021). IFS also
encourages the integration of livestock and crop production in the agriculture system
(Senthamilan et al., 2019).

e. Existing farms should have full control of the risks and ensure that there are
mitigation measures in place. New farms should comply with the above
provisions (BAFS, 2017).

7.2 Site history

If there are available data/information from relevant government agencies or

organizations on the prior land use, then it should be used to establish that the site is
not a possible source of physical, chemical and microbiological hazards. However,
when these data are not available and uncertainty exists as to the suitability of the
land for agricultural use, it is recommended to have the soil analyzed for heavy metal
contamination, etc.

Explanatory Note:

One institution that can conduct laboratory services

such as heavy metal analysis is the University of the
Philippines Natural Sciences Research Institute (UP
NSRI) Research and Analytical Services Laboratory
(RASL). Their contact details are presented below:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

UP NSRI Research and Analytical Services

Laboratory

P. Velasquez Street cor. Quirino Avenue, UP

Source: Google maps, 2023
Diliman, Quezon City
(02) 8281-3157 (Direct Line) / (02) 8981-8500 Image 14. Location of the NSRI
local 3608 (UP Trunkline)
[email protected]

34
 Section 8

Animal Housing
The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box.
Section 8
Animal Housing

8 Animal housing

8.1 Farm owners/operators when building animal housing facilities may refer to
PNS/PAES 405:2001 Cattle Feedlot, PNS/PAES 408:2001 Carabao Feedlot,
PNS/PAES 406:2001 Cattle Ranch and other animal housing standards (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

1000 mm
700 mm

2200 mm
2000 mm 2000 mm 2000 mm

Source: PNS for Carabao Feedlot (PNS/PAES 408:2001)

Image 15a. Sample of top view of layout of carabao feedlot

1400 mm 2200 mm
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

3100 mm
2400 mm
1200 mm
650 mm

Source: PAES Carabao Feedlot (PNS/PAES 408:2001)

Image 15b. Sample of side view of layout of carabao feedlot

36
 Section 8
Animal Housing

Source: PCC, n.d

Image 15c. Side view of a carabao feedlot

15200 mm
15200 mm

Image 15d. Floor plan of a cattle feedlot

EXPLANATORY MANUAL
15200 mm
15200 mm

15200 mm

Source: PAES Cattle Feedlot (PNS/PAES 406:2001)

37
Section 8 Animal Housing

Image 15e. Cattle feedlot

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Source: PCC, n.d

Image 15f. Communal pen

38
Animal Housing Section 8

8.2 The farm building should be designed and constructed appropriately for the intended
purpose, should provide proper ventilation and should be well maintained (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 16. Open-sided carabao housing

8.3 The building intended for keeping animals should be constructed in an orientation
that minimizes the adverse effects on animal performance and eliminates possible
hazards to its surroundings (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

According to the Compendium of Animal Welfare Legislation, Policies, and Issuances in

the Philippines (2021), the animal in custody must be provided with shelter that is
appropriate for the species. The structure must be designed in a way that will not harm
animals, or expose them to extreme sunlight and weather. The shelter must also take
into account the natural habitat and should allow the animals to express their natural
behavior.

8.4 The building should be designed and constructed using materials that:
a) should not cause any injury or impart hazard to the animal;
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

b) provide comfort;
c) can be easily cleaned and disinfected;
d) can be easily replaced when damaged;
e) create efficient stock management; and
f) enhance biosecurity (BAFS, 2017).

39
Section 8 Animal Housing

Explanatory Note:

Image 17. Pens designated for cattle to provide comfort

8.5 There should be an effective drainage system in place at the building (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Source: PCC, n.d Source: PCC, n.d Source: PCC, n.d

Image 18. Various types of drainage in the facilities

40
Animal Housing Section 8

8.6 Animals should be provided with sufficient floor space/size suitable for their age,
body weight and size to allow animals to feed and drink comfortably (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 19a. Cattle provided with sufficient floor space

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 19b. Carabaos are

provided with sufficient
floor space to avoid
overcrowding. Source: PCC, n.d

41
Section 8 Animal Housing

The minimum space requirement for carabao is 4 m²/animal. For cattle, the shed area
requirement is 4 m²/animal and the loafing area requirement is 5 m²/animal (PAES
408:201, PAES 405:2003).

Note:
Loafing area It is an area that the animals can use for other activities (feeding or
lying) or for displaying estrus behavior and social bonding. In addition,
this area is often utilized to regulate body temperature when humidity
and temperature are high (Farm Health Online, 2018).

8.7 The feeding and drinking equipment and facilities should conform with the
standards/requirements appropriate for age and number of beef cattle/ buffalo
and should be constructed and conspicuously placed such that:

a. animals are allowed to eat and drink freely, allowing them to behave
normally; and

Explanatory Note:

According to PAES 405:2001, the dimension of the feed trough should be:
depth: 400 mm
bottom width: 450-700 mm
top width: 700-900 mm
300 mm
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 20a. Typical cross

section of a feeding trough

42
Animal Housing Section 8

Image 20b. Sample feeding trough Image 20c. Water buffaloes

consuming forage placed in the
feeding trough

750 mm
750 mm

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

500 mm

Source: PAES 405:2001

Image 20d. Typical drinking trough layout

43
Section 8 Animal Housing

b. contamination with animal feces and urine is prevented.

Explanatory Note:

(b)

Source: PCC, n.d

(c)

Source: PCC, n.d Source: PCC, n.d

Image 21a. Typical drinking trough Image 21. (b) communal water trough, (c)
carabao drinking in the communal water
trough

8.8 Pens and pathways should:

a. be designed and constructed to prevent animals from escaping; and

Explanatory Note:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 22. Properly

constructed
communal feeding
trough Source: PCC, n.d

44
Animal Housing Section 8

b. be free from protruding objects or structures (e.g. nails and bolts) that may
cause injury to the animals and farm operators and farm workers (BAFS, 2017).

8.9 Housing design (particularly roof height and sides) should provide proper
ventilation (whether natural or artificial) to maintain a comfortable
environment (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

According to Philippine National Standard/Philippine Agriculture Engineering Standard

Agriculture Structure for Cattle Feedlot or PNS/PAES 405:2003, the minimum height of
the top of the roof beam shall be 2.5 m from the floor.

Image 23a. Well-

elevated and
properly
Source: PCC, n.d maintained roof

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 23b. Shed-type housing

design with roof

45
Section 8 Animal Housing

Image 23c. Monitor-type housing

design with roof

8.10 Animal buildings should have adequate lighting to ensure that animals can be
thoroughly inspected as required (BAFS, 2017).

8.11 Electrical installations and wirings should be protected and should not be
accessible to the animals (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 24. Electrical wirings covered with

flexible PVC for electrical wirings

46
 Section 8
Animal Housing

8.12 Floors and pathway used by the animals should be made from safe, stable, non-
slippery and well-lighted materials to prevent injury or abnormal gait to the animals
(BAFS, 2017).

8.13 The design of alleys and chutes should allow effective management of the animals.

a. Floors of alleys and chutes should be properly built to provide good footing,
preventing slippage and injuries (BAFS, 2017).

b. Alleys and chutes should have sides of sufficient height to prevent animals from
jumping off or falling (BAFS, 2017).
8.14 The farm should provide effective and appropriate facilities to restrain or handle
animals without causing undue stress and injury to both animals and farm workers
(BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 25a. Movable restraining facility (cattle squeeze chute) located in the
working corral

47
Section 8 Animal Housing

Image 25b. Non-movable restraining facility

8.15 The premises should be kept clean at all times to prevent disease occurrence,
establishment of breeding ground for pests and avoid environmental degradation.

Explanatory Note:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 26a. Clean and properly maintained pathways

48
 Section 8
Animal Housing

Image 26b. Personnel assessing the cleanliness of the facilities

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Source: PCC, n.d Source: PCC, n.d

Image 26c. Clean and maintained pathways

49
Section 8
Animal Housing

Image 26d. Clean working corral

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

50
 Section 9

Facilities
The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.
Section 9 Facilities

9 Facilities
9.1 Working corral or yard

9.1.1 The working yard or corral should have appropriate restraining tools and equipment
(BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 27a. Restraining area

located inside the working corral
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

a) b)
Image 27b. Squeeze chute a) side view b) front view (head gate)

52
 Section 9
Facilities

9.1.2 There should be facilities that would permit necessary segregation of animals. In
particular, an isolation pen or area for sick, injured, or disabled animals that
require necessary veterinary attention (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 28. Isolation area adjacent

to feedlot area

9.1.3 If applicable, facilities for breeding and other husbandry practices should be
properly designed to provide the animals a comfortable and conducive environment
for reproduction (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 29. Cattle provided with comfortable pens

53
Section 9 Facilities

9.2 Pasture area or Paddocks

9.2.1 Grazing Animals

9.2.1.1 There should be enough space for the animals (BAFS, 2017).

9.2.1.2 Shade or shelter within the pasture area should be provided (BAFS, 2017).

9.2.1.3 Land for production of animal feed and feed ingredients should not be located in
close proximity to industrial operations where industrial pollutants from air, ground
water or runoff from adjacent land would pose a food safety concern (ASEAN,
2019).

9.2.1.4 Pasture area must be properly maintained and managed to avoid being over
grazed and polluted or heavily infested by parasites. Rotational grazing may be
practiced, i.e. the herd is moved after one pasture lot has been grazed for some
time.

Explanatory Note:

Source: PCC, n.d

Image 30a.
Pasture area
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 30b.
Pasture area

54
Facilities Section 9

9.2.1.5 The rotational grazing protocol of the farm should take into consideration cross
contamination of disease to other groups of animals, application of pesticide and
chemical fertilizer, manure decomposition and pasture quality to reduce risk on
animal health and environmental contamination. Where manure fertilization of
pastures is practiced, an appropriate handling and storage system should be in
place and maintained to minimize environmental contamination (ASEAN, 2019).

Explanatory Note:

Source: Fruechte J.,2021

Image 31. Sample diagram of rotational grazing

9.2.2 Confined Animals

9.2.2.1 Those practicing cut-and-carry should establish their own forage or obtain a
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

steady supply of forages (BAFS, 2017).

55
Section 9 Facilities

Explanatory Note:

Image 32a. Forage area

Image 32b. Manual

harvesting of forage

Image 32c. Transferring of

collected forages to pens
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 32d.
Feeding of forage
in pens

56
Facilities Section 9

9.2.3 Feed Storage facilities

9.2.3.1 The farm should have a facility for proper storage of all feed materials (BAFS,
2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 33. Properly stacked

feeds Source: PCC, n.d

9.2.3.2 The feed storage should be kept clean at all times (BAFS, 2017).

9.2.3.3 The storage should have adequate ventilation, adequate protection from
moisture to prevent acquisition of molds, and should be vermin-proof
(BAFS, 2017).

9.2.3.4 Effective stock rotation should be practiced, i.e. “First in – first out” rule
(BAFS, 2017).
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

57
Section 9
Facilities

9.2.4 Condemnation/Disposal Facility

9.2.4.1 There should be a separate area for disposal of mortalities that is enclosed and
isolated, and should conform to existing environmental waste management
regulations (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

According to Manual of carcass disposal (2022), any dead animal shall be immediately
removed and disposed of within 24 hours after death. When the cause of death is a
dangerous communicable disease, the remains shall be buried within 12 hours after
death.

In handling large carcasses,

1. It should be wrapped in plastic sheets or tarps.

2. Gloves, tarps, and any other materials used during the handling of carcasses should
be disposed of accordingly.

3. The truck bed and any other non-disposable equipment should be disinfected using
either a 10% bleach solution or a concentrated liquid solution.

4. Shovels, spades, and other small paraphernalia may be immersed in a bucket

containing the solution. Spraying or pouring of the solution can be done with any
other surfaces including the truck bed. Nitrile gloves should be worn during
disinfecting and disposed of accordingly afterward.

5. Hands should be washed with soap and water after handling the animal carcasses
and after disinfecting equipment.

For the burial ground,

1. A burial ground shall at least be 25 meters distant from any dwelling house and no
house shall be constructed within the same distance from any burial ground.

2. No burial ground shall be located within 50 meters of any source of water supply.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

3. Ideally, the carcass should be covered with two feet of soil within a day of burial.

For incineration,

The incinerator must have approval from both provincial and local authorities to
burn pathological wastes (Oita University, 2022).

58
Facilities Section 9

Source: PCC, n.d

Image 34. Mortality pit

9.2.5 Perimeter Fencing

9.2.5.1 The fence, including its posts (e.g. concrete, iron, hardwood and live posts) and
gates, should be effectively designed to prevent entry of stray animals, and
escape or injury of the farm animals (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 35a. Perimeter fence for pasture area

59
Section 9 Facilities

Image 35b. Perimeter fence

to segregate pasture areas

9.2.5.2 If electric fence is used, it should be operated as per manufacturer’s

instructions (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Source: Dr. Jesalyn Constante, n.d

Image 36a. Properly installed Image 36b. Electric fence with warning sign
electric fence

60
 Section 10

Farm Management
Explanatory notes on the provisions of the standards are found inside the yellow boxes.
Additional information are presented as notes and/or images. Section numbers of the
manual mirrors the content of the PNS.
Section 10 Farm Management

10 Farm Management

10.1 Animal sourcing, identification and traceability

10.1.1 Animal identification should be done (ear tagging and other forms of
identification that are compliant with animal welfare regulations) and the
records of identification for the animals should be kept properly. If needed,
animal identification records may be reported and registered with the local
government authority (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 37a. Animals with ear tags

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 37b. Ear tag plier

Note: Ear tag plier is being used in applying ear
tags on the ears of the animals

62
Farm Management Section 10

Image 37c. Branding

Note: Branding is one of the identification methods, which
creates permanent identification (Hutu, 2020).

Image 37d. Identification record of imported Image 37e. Animal

animals identification placed outside
of the pen
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

10.1.2 If the establishment imports animals, records of pertinent documents should be

kept (BAFS, 2017).

10.1.3 The farm operator should record all movement of animals in and out of the farm.
This includes records of veterinary protocols as prescribed by the concerned
authority (BAFS, 2017).

63
Section 10 Farm Management

Explanatory Note:

Image 38a. White board where movement of

animals are recorded

Image 38b. Sample of a watch-

man record book
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

64
Farm Management Section 10

10.2 Breeding and weaning

10.2.1 Only sexually mature animals of appropriate age and weight, and free from any
disease or probable inherited abnormality should be bred (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

For the majority of Bos taurus heifers breed in North America (Angus, Hereford,
Simmental, and Charolais), calving for the first time usually happens at 22 to 24 months
of age (primiparous cows). The next calving happens at approximately 12-month intervals
until they reach 6 to 10+ years of age (Day and Nogueira, 2013).

On the second breeding of primiparous cows, they are recommended to be bred 3 to 4

weeks earlier than the multiparous cows in order to recover from their first calving. Thus,
heifers should become pregnant for the first time at 12 to 15 months of age assuming a
gestation period of 280 to 285 days, and accounting for more than 2 months variation in
the birth date of heifers selected to serve as replacements (Day and Nogueira, 2013).

For the Philippine carabao, the age at first fertile mating is 2.42 years (29 months), and
the age at first calving is 3.64.years (44 months) (Copland, 1985).

10.2.2 In natural mating, appropriate ratio of male to female animals should be practiced;
general recommendation is 1 male for 25 females (BAFS, 2017).

10.2.3 Only duly trained certified personnel should perform assisted breeding techniques
(e.g. artificial insemination, embryo transfer and ovum pickup) on the animals
(BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 39. Personnel

demonstrating proper
artificial insemination

65
Section 10 Farm Management

10.2.4 The calves should be weaned only at a recommended body weight and age.

Explanatory Note:

Based on age and body weight, there are two basic considerations to be followed
when weaning a calf.

1. Weaning at birth from the dam (applicable in the case of dairy calves raised for
beef purposes e.g., veal and steer)
This is done immediately after parturition wherein the calf is separated from the
dam. The calf is artificially reared using whole milk or a milk replacer.
2. Weaning from milk
The average age of weaning a calf from milk is three months old. At this age, the
calf weighs about 80-90 kilograms. Generally, it is recommended for the calf's
birth weight to double in 90 days. At this time, the calf has already developed
rumen and capable of surviving on forage diet.

10.2.5 Weaning should be conducted with minimum stress to both the dam and its
young.

10.2.6 The farm operator should provide the basic facilities for the newly weaned
animals.

Explanatory Note:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 40. Individual pen for newly weaned calves

66
Farm Management Section 10

10.2.7 The farm operator should maintain individual animal records that contain their
lactation, breeding and reproductive performance.

Explanatory Note:

Image 41a.
Individual animal
record

Image 41b. Stock inventory

monthly report EXPLANATORY MANUAL

67
Section 10 Farm Management

10.2.8 Breeding programs and activities should be properly recorded, maintained,

monitored and evaluated.

Explanatory Note:

Image 42a. Record of

semen production
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 42b. Record of frozen semen

68
 Section 10
Farm Management

10.3 Feeds and Nutrition

10.3.1 Animals should be provided with optimum level of nutrition at all times, as
required for their respective functions and well-being.

Explanatory Note:

Image 43a. Calf

feeding on feed
mixture

Feed formulation and feeding balanced diet for beef cattle are keys to achieving
successful beef cattle operations. As such, proper formulation of ration allows
nutritionists to determine the duration for which the beef cattle will be fed until the
targeted body weight is achieved.

The following criteria should be considered before the diet formulation and ration
development (Briggs and Felix, 2021):
1. animal type;
2. animal sex;
3. animal weight;
4. available feed ingredients;
5. use of feed technologies; and
6. housing type.
To provide adequate nutrition, there are the basic nutrients needed by the animals.
These are:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

1. carbohydrates;
2. fats;
3. proteins;
4. minerals;
5. vitamins; and
6. water.

Sample feeding programs are presented in Annex B of this Explanatory Manual.

69
Section 10 Farm Management

10.3.2 There should be adequate and continuous access to clean and safe water.

Explanatory Note:

Image 44. Additional water

tank in case of power
interruption

10.3.3 Drinking water for animals should be of appropriate quality for the animals being
produced. Where there is reason to be concerned about contamination of
animals from the water, measures should be taken to evaluate and minimize
hazards. Some of water used on farm shall be located in the areas where
contamination from hazardous substances can be prevented (BAFS, 2017).

10.3.4 Safe, clean, and adequate rations or feeding materials (silage, grasses, legumes
and concentrates) suited for cattle and buffaloes should be provided.

10.3.5 The production of forage crops should be monitored to minimize the risk of
biological, chemical and physical hazards which affect animal health (ASEAN,
2019)

10.3.6 When giving commercial feed, farm operators should use those that have been
officially registered with the competent authority, e.g. Animal Feeds, Veterinary
Drugs and Biologicals Control Division (AFVDBCD) of the Bureau of Animal
Industry (BAI) (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:
To see the full list of companies registered
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

as commercial feed traders, commercial

mixed feed manufacturers, feed
distributors, feed exporters, feed importers,
feed indentors, feed ingredient
manufacturers, feed repackers, feed
suppliers, non-commercial mixed feed
manufacturers, and toll manufacturers you
may access the BAI website at
www.bai.da.gov.ph.

70
Farm Management Section 10

10.3.7 In cases of farm-mixed feed formulation, farm operators should only use
ingredients from authorized and traceable suppliers. Records of purchases
should be kept (BAFS, 2017).

10. 3.8 On-farm feed manufacturers shall secure license to operate from the competent
authority and should be mixed in a manner that will minimize the potential from
cross-contamination between feed of feed ingredients that may have an effect
on the safety or withholding period of the feed or feed ingredients (ASEAN, 2019).

Explanatory Note:

Image 45. Certificate of License

to Operate (LTO) Source: BAI, n.d

10.3.9 The farm may also keep a record of available forage.

Explanatory Note:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 46. Sample list of

forages existing in a farm

71
Section 10 Farm Management

10.3.10 Banned chemicals, feed additives, supplements and any form of medication in
the diet of the animals, including those disallowed by the authorities or
importing countries, should not be used (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Below are the banned medication for animals.

Chloramphenicol
Banned per DA Administrative Order (DO) No. 60 series of 1990 and DOH
Administrative Order (AO) No. 91 series of 1990. It may cause hemotoxicity in
humans in the form of bone-marrow depression (dose-related and reversible)
and severe aplastic anemia (non-dose-related and irreversible).
Nitrofurans
Banned per DA-DOH Joint AO No. 2 series of 2000. Nitrofurazone is also found
carcinogenic while Furazolidone is carcinogenic and genotoxic.

Olaquindox and Carbadox

Banned per DA AO No. 1 series of 2000 and DOH AO No. 4-A. Both drugs have
a long withdrawal period of about 70 days. As such, no MRLs were established.
Olaquindox and Carbadox were also observed to be genotoxic to humans.
Beta-agonist
Banned per DA AO No.14 series of 2003. This causes tremors, shakiness, and
food poisoning. These symptoms were seen in drugs under this classification
except Ractopamine where MRL (for cattle and pigs: Muscle and Fat: 10 µg/kg;
Liver: 90 µg/kg) was adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 2012.

10.3.11 Instructions of medication of each specific drug being administered should be strictly
followed, particularly the withdrawal period (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 47. Sample

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

instruction of
medication of each
specific drug

72
Farm Management Section 10

10.3.12 The feed mixing equipment should be kept clean at all times and have regular
preventive maintenance schedule (BAFS, 2017).

10.3.13 The farm operator should provide a daily feeding schedule or routine (BAFS,
2017).

10.3.14 Procurement documents of feed concentrates and ingredients should be kept

and updated properly and should include:
a. supplier or source of feed concentrate and its registration number;
b. type of feed and supplements;
c. quantity;
d. declaration of ingredients;
e. document of feed analysis;
f. date of delivery; and
g. date of manufacturing and batch number.

10.3.15 The type and quantity of ration being fed to the animals should be recorded.

10.3.16 The preliminary examination on physical appearance of feed quality shall be

conducted prior to feeding (ASEAN, 2019).

10.4 Use of animal protein

10.4.1 The use of mammalian meat, meat by-products, and bone meal shall comply with
the requirements stated in DA Administrative Order No. 6 series of 2008 and in
chapter 11.4 of Terrestrial Animal Health Code of Office International des
Epizooties (OIE).

Explanatory Note:

For the purposes of recognizing the official risk status of Bovine Spongiform
Encephalopathy (BSE), 'atypical BSE' is excluded. Atypical BSE is a condition believed to
occur spontaneously in all cattle populations at a very low rate. According to Chapter
11.4 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, titled "General provisions and safe
commodities," the following recommendations and/or intentions are made to manage
the health risks for humans and animals associated with the presence of the bovine
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent in cattle:

73
Section 10 Farm Management

1. When authorizing the import or transit of the commodities and any products made
from the commodities listed below and containing no other tissues from cattle,
Veterinary Authorities should not require any BSE-related conditions, regardless of
the BSE risk status of the cattle population of the exporting country, zone or
compartment.
a. milk and milk products;

b. semen and in vivo derived cattle embryos collected and handled in accordance
with the recommendations of the International Embryo Transfer Society;

c. hides and skins;

d. gelatine and collagen prepared exclusively from hides and skins;

e tallow with maximum level of insoluble impurities of 0.15% in weight and

derivatives made from this tallow;

e. dicalcium phosphate (with no trace of protein or fat);

f. deboned skeletal muscle meat (excluding mechanically separated meat) from
cattle which were not subjected to a stunning process prior to slaughter, with a
device injecting compressed air or gas into the cranial cavity or to a pithing
process, and which passed ante- and post-mortem inspections and which has
been prepared in a manner to avoid contamination with tissues listed in Article
11.4.14.; and

h. blood and blood by-products, from cattle, which were not subjected to a
stunning process, prior to slaughter, with a device injecting compressed air or
gas into the cranial cavity, or to a pithing process.
2. When authorizing the import or transit of other commodities listed in Chapter 11.4,
Veterinary Authorities should require the conditions prescribed in this chapter
relevant to the BSE risk status of the cattle population of the exporting country,
zone, or compartment.

3. When authorizing import of commodities according to their conditions, the risk

status of an importing country is not affected by the BSE risk status of the exporting
country, zone or compartment.

10.5 Other management practices

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

10.5.1 The farm personnel, when performing the management practices listed below,
should use the appropriate tools and equipment, observe proper procedure
(including provisions for restraint and pain management), and should keep
records of such activities:

Hoof trimming
Disbudding/dehorning
Castration
Other routine management practices

74
Farm Management Section 10

Explanatory Note:

Below are the sample of tools that are usually being used for hoof trimming and
dehorning.
Hoof trimming tools

(48a) (48b) (48c) (48d) (48e)

Source: Atlantic Equine

Hoof Hoof Knife Brush Hoof rasp and file Hoof chisel
Nipper/Trimmer

Dehorning tool

(48h) (48i)

Electric calf dehorner

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

10.5.2 Guard dogs should be caged. Herding dogs should be properly trained.

75
 Section 11

Animal Health Management

The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.
Animal Health Management Section 11

11 Animal Health Management

11.1 The farm operator with the assistance of a veterinarian, should be responsible
for maintaining good health of the animals at all times, through proper
management practices that include prevention, treatment and disease control
and containment measures of the disease affecting the animals (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 49. Laboratory

animal disease test report

11.2 There must be a written animal health program in place that is updated regularly
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

and supervised by a licensed veterinarian, in accordance with the requirements

of the competent authorities.

77
Section 11 Animal Health Management

Explanatory Note:

Image 50. Poster of care

and maintenance of
calves in the farm Source: PCC, n.d

11.3 The health status of the animals in the farm should be monitored and recorded
regularly by the farm, and veterinary assessment of the establishment should be
carried out annually by a licensed veterinarian and/or by a competent authority.

Explanatory Note:
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 51. Herd health

monitoring report

78
Animal Health Management Section 11

11.4 The vaccination program should be adopted against the diseases as maybe
required by competent authorities. There must be an official control program for
brucellosis and tuberculosis.

Explanatory Note:

Sample control programs for various diseases are presented in Tables 11 and 12. It is
important to note that a veterinarian is essential for maintaining the health and well-
being of the animals and ensuring the productivity and sustainability of the farm.

Table 11. Sample control program for various diseases

Samples taken Laboratory Analyses Follow up Actions

Fecalysis (Sedimentation, Helminth

Flotation) Give dewormer
Feces
DNA/RNA extraction for PCR- (Albendazole/
based screening of agents Triclabendazole)

Leptospirosis
Treat immediately with
DNA Extraction for screening of
Urine antibacterial drug
Leptospirosis sp.
(Marbofloxacin or
Doxycycline)

Trypanosoma sp.,
Blood parasite examination
Treat immediately with
(Trypanosoma evansi and
anti-trypanosomal drug
Microfilaria spp.)
(Samorin/Cymelarsan)
Whole blood DNA/RNA Extraction for PCR-
Microfilaria spp.
based screening of agents
Give
(Trypanosoma evansi, etc.)
Ivermectin/Doramectin
Complete Blood Count

Screening of Brucella spp.

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Isolate the buffalo,

Blood serum chemistry
Blood serum proceed with confirmatory
Screening of serum-based test
test (Test and Slaughter)
kit like ELISA
(Source: Philippine Carabao Center, n.d)

79
Section 11 Animal Health Management

Table 12. List of farm activities with their purpose/description and actions to be
taken (remarks).

Farm Activities Purpose Remarks

To treat Fasciolosis and other Fecal collection is done to

Deworming disease-causing gastrointestinal monitor effectiveness of
parasites dewormer

Allergic reaction -
To prevent Hemorrhagic Septicemia
Hemosep Epinephrine
caused by Pasteurella multocida -
vaccination Vaccination failure - Pen-
an acute disease affecting lungs
Strep

Done weekly, monthly,

To monitor Average Daily Gain quarterly and annually
Weighing (ADG) and Feed Conversion Ratio depending on age and
(FCR) of animals physiologic state of the
animal

To properly identify animals;

Ear tagging Replacement of old and unclear ear Done as early as week 1
tags

Isolate the buffalo,

To regularly screen animals for proceed with side by side
Tubercolosis - a chronic, infectious testing - Comparative TB
TB testing
and zoonotic disease affecting Testing and Bovigam TB
lungs Testing (Test and
Slaughter)

Given depending on the

Vitamin and
To prevent vitamin and mineral need and overall health
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Mineral
deficiency and physiologic status of
Administration
the animal
Note: Philippine Carabao Center, n.d

11.5 Adequate measures should be implemented in order to prevent udder infections,

metabolic diseases, external and internal parasites (BAFS, 2017).

11.6 Drugs, medicines, and vaccines should be administered by a licensed veterinarian

or trained personnel under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian (BAFS, 2017).

80
Animal Health Management Section 11

11.7 Drugs or medicines should only be used for prophylactic and treatment reasons
(BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

It is important to note that drugs or medicines are intended for animal use and are
registered with the BAI.

11.8 Instruction on medication of each specific drug being administered should be

strictly followed, particularly the withdrawal period. The farm should secure
certification from a veterinarian prior to slaughter (ASEAN, 2019).

Explanatory Note:
Withdrawal period is the time interval between the last administration of a drug to an
animal and the point at which the levels of residues in the tissues or products fall
below the stated Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) (Hagren et al., 2005)

11.9 The use of illegal and banned medication and vaccines should be prohibited (use
vaccines accredited by BAI; the same with controlled drugs (BAFS, 2017).

11.10 Drugs, medicines, and vaccines should be stored and identified properly; proper
disposal of these items should be followed to prevent contamination to the
environment (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Images 52a and 52 b

show drugs, medicines,
and vaccines kept in
their original container,
secured, and stored
properly.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Source: BAI, n.d

Image 52a. Medicine shelf Image 52b. Drugs and
placed in a colder part of the some medicinal supplies
room, away from direct are properly arranged in
sunlight a tackle box

81
Section 11 Animal Health Management

Image 52c. Medical supplies and other chemicals are stored and arranged
properly

Image 52d. Examples of drugs being used in the farm

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

11.11 The use of needle during injection shall be done in such a way that no part of
broken needle remains in body and the corrective action for remained needle in
beef cattle and buffalo body shall be in place (ASEAN, 2019).

11.12 The farm operator should keep and maintain complete records of farm operations,
management routines, and animal health records like disease monitoring and
medication. These records should be easily retrievable.

82
Animal Health Management Section 11

Explanatory Note:

Image 53. Sample of herd health monitoring report

a. Records include, but are not limited to, the following:

Vaccination program;
Deworming;
Disease condition;
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Diagnosis;
Intervention or treatment done;
Control measures;
Post-mortem findings;
Surveillance;
Disposal (BAFS, 2017); and
Farm traffic record (vehicle and visitors entry and exit). (ASEAN, n.d)

83
Section 11 Animal Health Management

Explanatory Note:

Image 54. Sample health

record which includes
different tests performed in
the animal

b. The farm should maintain updated records of medicine purchases and

administrations that should be readily available for inspection (BAFS, 2017).
c. The procurement records should have:
Date of purchase;
Name of the product (generic compound);
Quantity purchased;
Batch number;
Expiry date;
Name of supplier (BAFS, 2017)

d. Drug or medicine administration records should consist of the following:

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Type of drugs or medication used;

Batch number;
Quantity of medicine used;
Date administered;
Route of administration;
Identification of animals/group treated;
Number of animals treated;
Date of completion of treatment;
Withdrawal period;
Name of the person who administered the medicine.

84
 Section 12

Animal Welfare Management

The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.
Section 2
Section 12 Animal Welfare Management

12 Animal Welfare Management

12.1 Proper techniques should be applied to handle and restrain animals. Animals
should always be handled and restrained in such a way to minimize fear, stress,
pain and injury (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 55a. Restraining area for performance of

husbandry procedures and minor surgical
procedures
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 55b. Head gate of the

chute

86
 Section 12
Animal Welfare Management

12.2 Appropriate and functional facilities, equipment, and tools should be used for
effective animal handling and restraint, in order to minimize stress and injury to
animals. The operators should acquire the skills and techniques to use the tools
properly (BAFS, 2017).

12.3 Sick, injured or disabled animals should be separated from healthy animals and
should be given the necessary veterinary attention, including euthanasia if required
and following the rules and regulations in euthanasia.

Explanatory Note:

Based on the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 13 series of 2010

or also known as the "Revised Rules and Regulations on the Euthanasia of Animals",
the approved methods of euthanasia for ruminants, including beef cattle and
buffalo:

For ruminants
Barbiturates, penetrating captive bolt and gunshot.
(domestic)

12.4 Sticks or canes should not be used to restrain the farm animals. However, a stick or
cane may be used for the worker’s safety when handling larger or aggressive
animals.

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

87
 Section 13

Animal Transportation
The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.
Animal Transportation Section 13

13 Animal Transportation

13.1 Animals should be transported in appropriate vehicles and in a manner that does
not cause excessive stress throughout the travel and does not predispose them to
injury and disease.

Explanatory Note:

(b)

(a)
Source: BAI-NBCRDC, n.d
Image 56. (a) Transport vehicle with animals. (b) Clean and empty transport
vehicle

13.2 Animals being transported should be in a good state of health. However, stressed,
sick and pregnant animals, may be transported but with extra-precautionary
measures.

13.3 Transport vehicles should comply with the requirements of the competent
authorities and should:
a. Allow easy loading and unloading;
b. Have communication equipment and first aid kit;
c. Ensure safety of the animals and personnel during transport;
d. Be clean and sanitized;
e. Be equipped with floors that provide secure footing;
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

f. Have proper drainage for collection of urine;

g. Whenever necessary, underloaded vehicles should contain partitions
to avoid injury of animals during transport;
h. Have a decal/label “live animal on board” at the sides and front/back;
and
i. Should be registered to BAI as Transport Vehicle Carrier Accompanied by
a registered livestock handler.

89
Section 2
Section 13 Animal Transportation

13.4 Appropriate space allowance and ventilation should be provided during

transportation (BAFS, 2017).

13.5 Where appropriate, animals should be segregated according to species, size, sex,
and age (BAFS, 2017).

13.6 The transport of animals from point of origin to final destination should be through
the most direct and appropriate route which should be completed without
unnecessary delay and should follow the animal travel plan (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:
Transporting animals could create stress. Stress comes in many forms, e.g., deprivation
of water or food, rough handling, exhaustion due to transporting over long distances,
and mixing of animals reared separately resulting in fighting. From an animal welfare
viewpoint, stress is unacceptable and should be avoided due to its deleterious effects on
the quality of the meat (FAO, 1991). As such it is suggested that the duration of the
journey should be short and direct, without any stoppages. Cattle and buffalo should not
travel for more than 36 hours. If the journey will take more than 36 hours, the animals
should be offloaded after 24h provision of feed and water.

The Bureau of Animal Industry - National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division (BAI-
NVQSD) provided an online application for a local shipping permit (Memorandum
Circular No.24 series of 2020 or the "Guidelines on the use of Local Shipping Permit
Application System for Clients"). Based on the MC, all shippers transporting live
animals/animal by-products, need to complete the following requirements:

Veterinary Health certificate (validity is 3 days after the issued date);

Registration of Transport Carrier;
Livestock Handler's License;
Laboratory Test Results and Laboratory Compliance Certificate; and
Individual Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) issued by DOH-FDA.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

90
 Section 2
Animal Transportation Section 13

A sample application form is presented below.

It should be noted that the form may be
revised from time to time. It is advisable to
contact the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for
the most updated information.

Image 57. Animal health transport and

handlers- By-products handlers License
individual application form

13.4 Appropriate space allowance and ventilation should be provided during

transportation (BAFS, 2017).

13.5 Where appropriate, animals should be segregated according to species, size, sex,
and age (BAFS, 2017).

13.6 The transport of animals from point of origin to final destination should be through
the most direct and appropriate route which should be completed without
unnecessary delay and should follow the animal travel plan (BAFS, 2017).

13.7 Animals should be transported during the coolest part of the day (BAFS, 2017).

13.8 Transport permits and health certificates that conform to the veterinary protocols
imposed by the competent authority should be acquired and brought along during
transport (BAFS, 2017).

13.9 The transporter should be fully responsible for the care and welfare of the animals
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

as well as ensure the cleanliness of the vehicle during the entire process of
transporting. Disposal of the waste should be done in an environment friendly
manner (BAFS, 2017).

13.10 Animals intended for slaughter should follow the National Meat Inspection Service
guidelines for resting of animals prior to slaughter (BAFS, 2017).

13.11. In cases wherein the establishment seeks the services of a second (2nd) party to
ship the live animals, the shipper should be properly informed of the
recommendations stated above (BAFS, 2017).

91
 Section 14

Biosecurity Measures
The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.

Source: PCC
Biosecurity Measures Section 14

14 Biosecurity Measures

14.1 The farm should have a written protocol of biosecurity measures. Proper warning
signage should be provided (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 58a. Biosecurity protocols book

Image 58b. Foot dip at the entrance

of the farm

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Source: Dr. Jesalyn

Constante

Image 58c. Foot dip

93
Section 14 Biosecurity Measures

14.2 Biosecurity procedures should be well implemented and continuously monitored to

prevent introduction of disease into the farm and/or to control its spread within the
farm (BAFS, 2017).
14.3 The biosecurity measures should take into consideration the relevant diseases
identified by local regulations/authority (BAFS, 2017).
14.4 The farm should have the appropriate and functional lay-out and infrastructure to
ensure effective implementation of the biosecurity measures. These should include
facilities for disinfection, with appropriate concentration of disinfectant, at entry
(e.g. wheel bath or spraying, shower for visitors, handwashing facility, etc.)/exit
point of the farm and the building (footbath) (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 59a. Wheel bath

Source: PCC, n.d

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 59b.
Handwashing area

94
Biosecurity Measures Section 14

14.5 All incoming animals should undergo the appropriate quarantine measures (BAFS,
2017).

Explanatory Note:

According to Department of Agriculture Administrative Order (AO) No. 09 series of

2010, 48 hours before the arrival of consignment at the preliminary border inspection
site (port of entry), the importer or his authorized representative shall notify the
concerned DA Border Inspector by completely filling out the Application for Import
Inspection as contained in the DA Border Inspector's Report Form.

14.6. Stray animals should not be allowed within the premises (BAFS, 2017).

14.7 Imported animals and animal products should be accompanied by official

documentation from the competent authority (BAFS, 2017).

14.8 All persons who show clinical signs of sickness such as fever, respiratory or
gastrointestinal infection should not be allowed to enter the farm (BAFS, 2017).

14.9 Disease prevention and control measures shall be documented and be under
supervision of a licensed/registered veterinarian or competent authority (ASEAN,
2019).

Explanatory Note:

To collate data where disease/s occurs, the

Animal Health and Welfare Division (AHWD)
of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
provided a website where farm owners can
easily report the presence/incidence of
disease/s in their location
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 60. Animal health and

welfare incident report form

95
Section 14 Biosecurity Measures

To access the form you may visit the BAI website

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 Section 15

Personnel Hygiene and Farm Sanitation

Program
The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.
Section 15 Personnel Hygiene and Farm Sanitation Program

15.1 Farm personnel shall have good personal hygiene as part of biosecurity measure
(BAFS, 2022).

15.2 Farm premises should be kept clean and free of potential conditions conducive to
breeding of pests, animal parasites and disease outbreak. This is to avoid negative
effects on the landscape, environment and animal welfare (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Image 61a. Well kept paddock

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Image 61b. Identified isolation area

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Personnel Hygiene and Farm Sanitation Program Section 15

Image 61c. Working corral

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Image 61d. Clean pen

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Section 2
Section 15 Personnel Hygiene and Farm Sanitation Program

Image 61e. Empty feeding trough

15.3 Organic materials should be regularly removed from all livestock contact surfaces
(i.e., floors, pen partitions). Where bedding is used, it should be regularly replaced
(BAFS, 2017).

15.4 The farm should have a proper and functional drainage system towards a water
treatment facility. Solid and liquid waste should be managed and disposed
according to existing relevant guidelines imposed by competent authorities (BAFS,
2017).

15.5 The farm should have proper handling and disposal system for sick, injured and
dead animals, and should be in accordance to existing regulations of the authority
(BAFS, 2017).
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Personnel Hygiene and Farm Sanitation Program Section 15

Explanatory Note:

Image 62. Disposal of dead animals

15.6 The farm should have a written sanitation program that includes integrated pest
management, e.g. fly control, rodent control, etc. (BAFS, 2017).

15.7 After destocking of beef cattle and buffalo, the house and equipment shall be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The house shall be closed for a certain period
of time in accordance with related national requirements (ASEAN, 2019).

15.8 Regular waste removal would discourage ammonia buildup and promote better air
quality within buildings (BAFS, 2017).
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15.9 The farm should take appropriate measures to minimize excessive odor coming from
the farm, especially those that may be associated with waste decomposition (BAFS,
2017).

15.10 Water used for other purposes aside from drinking water shall be clean, free from
physical hazards, safe and sufficient for using in the farm at all time (BAFS, 2017).

15.11 Water management such as water testing and maintenance of drinking water
system should be done regularly (ASEAN, 2019).

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 Section 16

Environmental Management
The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in black font color.
Environmental Management Section 16

16.1 The farm operator should take necessary measures to ensure that activities related
to livestock farming do not contribute to the degradation of the environment (i.e.,
land, water, air) and cause destruction to bio-diversity (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

To help with environmental management, the ISO 140001:2015 Environmental

Management Systems specifies the requirements for an environmental management
system that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance. It
provides a framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and
continually improve their environmental performance (ISO, 2015).

According to ISO 140001:2015, planning is one of the good aspects of organizational

discipline. It is essential that organizations (i.e. farms) have the capacity to determine
potential emergency situations where negative environmental impact potentially takes
place in order to avoid or minimize environmental damage (ISO, 2015).

In order to determine environmental impact, an organization should use "established

criteria". It is suggested that the following be considered:

The likelihood of the impact occurring.

The scale of the environmental damage.
The level of concern within interested parties.
The requirements of appropriate compliance obligations (legal and other
requirements.

Table 13. Sample scoring system in establishing criteria of environmental impact

Potential Severity Rating
Likelihood severity occurs

Minor Moderate Significant Catastrophic

Very likely Moderate High Extreme Extreme

Likely Low Moderate High Extreme

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Unlikely Very Low Low Moderate High

Rare Very Low Very Low Low Moderate

Source: NQA ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System Implementation Guide

The abovementioned standard sets out explicitly the framework that is required in
achieving farm environmental objectives and considerations. To have a better
understanding, having an "Action plan" manages the objectives that the standard
requires.

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16.2 The farm operator should maintain and display clear instructions on procedure for
disposal of farm solid wastes and farm chemical wastes (e.g. paint, expired
pesticide/herbicide and containers, etc.) (BAFS, 2017).

Explanatory Note:

Maintaining clear disposal

instructions for farm solid and
chemical wastes aligns with the
Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act (Republic Act
9003) in promoting responsible
waste management. It encourages:
waste segregation,
environmentally sound
practices,
legal compliance,
public awareness, Image 63. Trash bins properly labeled
pollution prevention,
resource conservation, and
long-term sustainability
(Republic of the Philippines,
2001).

16.3 The farm operator should be familiar with the proper procedure for disposal and
schedule of actions to be taken, especially at times of emergency (BAFS, 2017).
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 Section 17

Review and Evaluation of Practices

The provisions of the standard are written in black font color. Additional information
such as notes, images and anecdotal practices are provided as Explanatory Notes
inside a yellow box in red font color.
Section 2
Section 17 Review and Evaluation of Practices

a. Practices should be checked for compliance and evaluation for effectiveness

and doability on a regular basis.

b. In cases where provisions are no longer applicable, they should be amended.

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Annexes
 Annexes

Annex A
The types of restraint generally used for ruminants
(chemical, physical and psychological)

Chemical restraint
1. Injections and venipuncture
During the restraining of cattle, equipment e.g. squeeze chute with a headgate
and a halter is usually used in applying injections and venipuncture. Moreover,
the jugular vein is the common site for administering intravenous medications in
cattle.

For downed cattle (in sternal position), it can be restraint by jugular venipuncture
by using a halter and lead rope, pulling the cow’s head to the side of the most
accessible hind leg, and tying the lead to the hind leg above its hock.
Types of injections (Chastain C.B, n.d)

1. Subcutaneous injection
It is usually administered on the side of the neck.
2. Intramuscular injection
Application of injection is restricted to the anterior neck area only. The
injections are given about 4in (10cm) below the top of the neck and 4in
(10cm) in front of the shoulder.
Note:

Injections should not be given to cows

in alleyways, chutes or in narrow
spaces in between bars or planks.

Injections should be given in a way that

prevents the cow’s movements from
suddenly pulling away from the needle
before the injection can be completed
Source: Chastain, n.d
Image 64a. Intramuscular injection
site in cattle
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2. Administration of oral medications (Chastain C.B, n.d)

Individual
If the cattle are restrained in a chute, the halter is removed first before administering
oral medication. Meanwhile, if the cattle have a head restraint, the tablet (bolusing)
is administered using a balling gun while liquids (drenching) are administered using a
drenching syringe.

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Annexes

Image 64b. Administering oral

medication using balling gun

Source: Chastain C.B, n.d

Group
To administer oral medication to calves, the calves are crowded together (their
packed bodies provide the restraint) and the handler wades backward while
catching calves and drenching them.

Physical restraint
Physical restraint is also one of the methods being used by the handlers to control the
movement of the animals or to train animals to follow their handlers (Singh R., 2020).
Below are some of the activities in restraining animals (physically).

1. Capturing calf (Chastain C.B, n.d)

Calf can be caught by hand if herded with its mother into a pen, after which the
mother is sorted into another small pen.

2. Moving calf (Chastain C.B, n.d)

Small calves can be moved by putting an arm in front of their chest and the other arm
around their rump. They are then picked up and carried, or they are walked forward
while blocking backward or side movements. Larger calves must be herded in ways
similar to adult cattle.
3. Standing restraint (Chastain C.B, n.d)
A calf is backed into a corner by the handler. The handler straddles its neck while
facing the calf’s nose. A handler can gain access to the jugular vein with both hands
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

by bending over and pushing the calf’s head to the side and restraining it with an
elbow.
4. Flanking a calf (Chastain C.B, n.d)
Small calves be laid down on their side in the same manner as putting a dog in lateral
restraint by reaching over the calf’s neck and flank and grasping the front and hind
leg closest to the handler’s legs. The calf is lifted up and its legs rotated away from
the handler while letting its body slide down the handler’s legs. The calf is held on its
side by the handler’s forearm on its neck and holding onto its lower front and hind
legs.

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For larger calves, the handler should stand next to the calf’s left side with his left arm
under its neck. The right-hand grasps the calf's right flank skin and the left hand is
moved to grasp the right front leg at its knee. The handler’s right knee is pushed into
the calf’s left flank. The calf is lifted in timing with its attempt to jump out of the grasp
and its feet are rotated away from the handler. The calf continues to be held as it
slides down the handler’s right leg. To continue holding a calf down, the handler
places a knee on its neck and holds the upper front leg in a flexed position. To tie a
downed calf on its left side, a handler straddles the calf’s rump in a kneeling position
and his right knee is placed behind the calf’s hocks.

Image 64c. Flanking a

small calf Source: Chastain C.B, n.d

Psychological restraint
Psychological restraints take advantage of the use of the voice and proper body
position to prompt the cattle to move. Tools such as whip, paddle, or electric prod are
only applied on extremely stubborn animals.

Usually, the animals are allowed to look over the place. Caution is encouraged since
sudden movements will startle the animals, and a change in light will make them leery.
During the movement of animals, one person is positioned toward the opening of the
gate, and the other one is positioned behind the group. The person in the back puts
pressure on the group by stepping forward. The person in front puts pressure on the
group by walking toward the rear of the group (Sheldon C.C et al., n.d).
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Image 64d. Personnel putting

pressure on the cow to move
along the fence Source: Sheldon C.C et al., n.d

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ANNEX B
Sample feeding programs
Feeding for lactating cows
At any stage of lactation, the buffalo cow should be given the best feed by the farm.
However there are some important steps that needs to be carried out. These are:

Step 1 Determine the cow's body weight and identify the nutrient requirement of
the cow based on the International standard on nutrient requirements of
buffaloes

Step 2 Determine the cow's current stage of milk production/lactation

Lactation has four stages based on the duration (in days) of milk production
after calving. These are early lactation, mid-lactation, late lactation, and
dry period. Every stage, except for the dry period, has a different volume of
milk production and requires a specific feeding ration
Stages of lactation
Early lactation 1 to 100 days (peak milk production) postpartum
Mid-lactation 101 to 200 days (declining milk production) postpartum
Late lactation 201 to 305 days (declining milk production) postpartum
Dry period 60 to 90 days before the next lactation

Step 3 Get the milk yield and its fat content

a. Identifying the lactation stage facilities the estimation of the volume of
milk production. A daily record of milk production, however, is the best
reference of milk volume.
b. Laboratory test (i.e. MilkoScan) provides the milk fat content. Milk
sampling and analysis should be carried out every month.
Step 4 Get the nutrient composition of available feed resource for the herd

a. List down all the available feed resources for the herd
b. Check and write down the corresponding nutrient composition of
available grasses and legumes from Reference Table 2
c. Check and write down the corresponding nutrient composition of the
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concentrates
Step 5 Tabulate the information and prepare sample ration
Example:
Data
Lactating cow - 550 kg BW
- Milk has 7% butter fat
Below is the summary of data requirements for the formulation of feed
ration: Volume of milk production per day and for the whole lactation period
and the nutritional requirements based on Reference Table 4.

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Table 4. Summary of data requirement for the formulation of feed ration

Item Level of production, liters

Daily milk production, kg 4 6 8 10 12

Total milk production, kg 1120 1830 2440 3050 3660

Requirements

Dry matter (DM), %BW 2.5 2.7 3.0 3-3.5 3.5

Total Digestible Nutrients, kg 5.9 6.9 8.3 8.8 9.7

Protein, g 1028 1264 1618 1736 1972

Calcium, g 34 41 50 54 60

Phosphorus 26 31 39 42 47

Vitamin A, IU 27 27 27 27 27
Daily Milk Production
During early lactation - 8 liters
Mid-lactation- 6 liters
Late lactation- 4 liters
The figure below summarizes the nutrient requirements i.e energy and protein of lactating
cows at different stages of lactation (early, mid and late lactation) and volume of milk
production.
Figure 1. Different stages of lactation (early, mid and late lactation) indicating the nutrient
required by the animals.
Early Mid Late
lactation lactation lactation
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Milk yield

1-100 days 101-200 days 201-305 days Dry period

CP -16-17% CP -18-19% CP -14-15% TDN 65%

Calving
TDN - 70% TDN 70% CP and TDN contents of
the concentrates

Note: Philippine Carabao Center, n.d

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Feeding of calf from birth to weaning

For the newly born calf, it is important that colostrum - first milk of the cow that contains
high amount of antibodies which serves as a defense or provides immunity against
common diseases- is given away within the first 5 days.

The following are the important pointers in the feeding of a calf from birth to weaning:

1. Feed the calf with the colostrum within the first three hours after calving either
through the pail/bottle or by natural suckling until the latter 2/3 of standing estrus
or 8-14 hours after the onset of estrus

2. In an artificially-reared calf, the milk replacer is gradually introduced to the calf

at the rate of 50:50 (normal milk: milk replacer) for a week. Thereafter, the calf is
fed with 100% milk replacer up to the weaning period of 90 days.
Feeding management of weanling buffaloes/ newly weaned calves (3-6 months)
At weaning, the calves have a body weight of around 80-90 kg. Management of newly
weaned calves is important because these animals will serve as replacement bulls or
heifers for future breeding and dairy production. Below is the suggested ration for a
newly weaned calf, weighing 80 kg, and has an Average Daily Gain (ADG) = 500g
Table 5. Suggested ration for newly weaned calf
Feeding system
Ration, as fed
Grass-based Grass-legume based

Grass (Napier, Para grass, humidicola) 3-4 kg 3-4 kg

Legume (Rensoni, stylo) None 1.4 kg

Concentrate, starter mix 2.2 kg 1.6 kg

Mineral mix Free choice Free choice

Assumptions: Dry matter of grass = 25%, legume= 35%; concentrate = 90%
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Feeding of heifers
Heifers require adequate nutrition for normal growth and early achievement of pubertal
weights. Heifers may be fed individually or in-group with other heifers. To reach pubertal
age, heifers should have an ADG of 500-600 grams. There are three phases of feeding
heifers based on their age and BW to meet their nutrient requirements. Below is the
suggested ration to heifers weighing 180 kg, ADG = 500g.

Table 6. Suggested ration for heifers weighing 180 kg, ADG = 500g
Feeding system
Ration, as fed
Grass-based Grass-legume based

Grass (Napier, Para grass, humidicola) 14 kg 14 kg

Legume (Rensoni, stylo) None 1.7 kg

Concentrate, starter mix 1.1 kg 0.6 kg

Mineral mix Free choice Free choice

Assumptions: Dry matter of grass = 25%, legume= 35%; concentrate = 90%

Phase 1: Growing heifers, 6-12 month old

Heifers weighing 150 to 230 kg
Provide feed ration that is composed of fresh grasses with supplementary
concentrates and/or legumes
Supplement them with vitamins and minerals during the dry season because
their ration is mostly composed of rice straw or hay and other farm by-
products
Phase 2: Heifers at 13-18 month old
Heifers weighing 230 to 310 kg and nearing their pubertal weight
Provide feed ration containing adequate levels of protein, energy, minerals, and
vitamins to support an ADG of 500 grams
Supplement them with concentrates containing 15-16% Crude Protein (CP) and
about 65-70% TDN content.
The ration containing fresh grass (ad libitum), spent grain and rice straw, or
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combinations of fresh grass and legumes can support the desired ADG

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Table 7. Suggested ration for heifers weighing 230-310 kg, ADG = 500g
Feeding system
Ration, as fed
Grass-based Grass-legume based

Grass (Napier, Para grass, humidicola) 20.4 kg 20.4 kg

Legume (Rensoni, stylo) None 2.8 kg

Concentrate, starter mix 2 kg 1 kg

Mineral mix Free choice Free choice

Assumptions: Dry matter of grass = 25%, legume= 35%; concentrate = 90%

Phase 3: Heifers at 19-24 month old

Heifers weighing 310 to 350 kg
Provide feed ration that is more energy balanced with protein to support an
average daily gain of 300-400 grams
In the confinement system, use rations containing rice straw (ad libitum) and
supplementary concentrates or spent grain.
Fresh grass (Napier or Para grass) can support 300-400 ADG of the animals.
Whenever available, legumes can serve as a practical supplement to support the
daily nutrient requirement of breeding heifers.

Table 8. Suggested ration for heifers weighing 310-350 kg, ADG = 300-400g
Feeding system
Ration, as fed
Grass-based Grass-legume based

Grass (Napier, Para grass, humidicola) 25 kg 25 kg

Legume (Rensoni, stylo) None 3.7 kg

Concentrate, starter mix 2 kg 1 kg

Mineral mix Free choice Free choice

Assumptions: Dry matter of grass = 25%, legume= 35%; concentrate = 90%
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Feeding of pregnant buffaloes

During the early stage of pregnancy, the cow’s feed ration is the same with its
maintenance requirement. In its last trimester, pregnant cows need about 25 to 30 %
more nutrients than their maintenance requirement to support the fetus' development and
the regeneration of the mammary tissues.

Pregnant cows require 50% higher DP and 25% higher TDN than that of the maintenance
requirement. Also, it is important that flushing a cow by giving an additional 1.0 to 1.5 kg
concentrates, provides additional nutrients to prepare the pregnant cows prior to
parturition, lactation, and for subsequent reproduction (re-breeding). Flushing of a cow is
done 1 -2 months before the expected calving up to 2 months after parturition. Below is
the suggested ration for pregnant weighing 350 kg, ADG- 450g

Table 9. Suggested ration for pregnant buffaloes weighing 350 kg, ADG = 450g
Feeding system
Ration, as fed
Grass-based Grass-legume based

Grass (Napier, Para grass, humidicola) 26 kg 26 kg

Legume (Rensoni, stylo) None 4.2 kg

Concentrate, starter mix 2.4 kg 1.2 kg

Mineral mix Free choice Free choice

Assumptions: Dry matter of grass = 25%, legume= 35%; concentrate = 90%

Feeding of dry cows

To meet the daily nutrient requirements for the maintenance of dry cows, it is essential to
feed them with a ration composed of rice straw with minimal concentrates (e.g., rice bran
or spent grain)

Table 10. Suggested ration for dry cows

Feeding system
Ration, as fed
Grass-based Grass-legume based
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Grass (Napier, Para grass, humidicola) 55.2 kg 55.2 kg

Legume (Rensoni, stylo) None 4.2 kg

Concentrate, starter mix 1.1 kg None

Mineral mix Free choice Free choice

Assumptions: Dry matter of grass = 25%, legume= 35%; concentrate = 90%

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Feeding of bulls
The same feeding management for the young bull and growing heifer is used to achieve
the desired ADG of 500 grams. It is also necessary to give good quality forage and
concentrate supplements at this growth stage.
For mature bulls, the following are for consideration:
Avoid overfeeding, as this will lead to obesity and may reduce libido or sexual urges,
semen volume, and other semen characteristics.
Preferably, the maintenance ration for breeding bulls should consist of an adequate
amount of fresh forage to meet its DM, CP, TDN, and mineral requirements.
In preparing ration, it is important to include the macro and micro minerals such as
calcium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, and iron.
In cases when dry forage (i.e., hay or straw) is used, it is supplemented with vitamin
A, D, E, and K regularly.
Sample ration for beef cattle
Example A. Ration for a 250 kg steer gaining 0.75 kg/day
Step 1: Write down the nutrient requirements

Dry
Total P
matter TDN CP Ca
(g)
(kg)

Amount 6.4 3.8 693 21 17

Percent of Dry
59.4 10.8 0.33 0.26
matter (DM)

Step 2. List down the available feeds

Dry
Total P
matter TDN CP Ca
(g)
(kg)
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

%DM basis

Amount 22 55.0 9.6 0.42 0.39

Rice bran, D1 91.9 84.5 13.5 0.08 1.64

Ipil-Ipil
90 60.3 22.2 0.35 0.27
Leaf meal

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Step 3. Calculate if Napier grass alone can satisfy the TDN requirement

55% TDN
6.4 kg DM x = 3.52 kg TDN
100
Since the amount of TDN from Napier is less than the requirement, the concentrate is
considered to replace part of Napier as an energy source. Assuming rice bran is
available and cheap, the proportions of Napier and rice bran based on TDN is
calculated as follows:
Napier, 55.0 25.1 parts

59.4

4.4 parts
Rice bran, 84.5
29.5 total parts
25.1/29.5 x 100 = 85.1% Napier
4.4/ 29.5 x 100 = 14.9% rice bran

85.1% Napier x 6.4 kg DM = 5.45 kg DM from Napier

14.9% rice bran x 6.4 kg DM = 0.95 kg DM from rice bran

Step 4. Determine if the combination of Napier and rice bran satisfies the
requirement for crude protein

Dry
TDN CP CaG Total P
matter
(kg) (g) (g) (g)
(kg)

Napier grass 5.45 3.0 518 22.89 21.26

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Rice bran, D1 0.95 0.80 128 0.76 15.20

Total 6.4 3.8 646 23.65 36.46

Requirement 6.4 3.8 693 21 17

Balance -47 +2.65 +19.46

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Balance in CP of 47 g can be satisfied by replacing part of the rice bran with Ipil-ipil
meal. The combination of rice bran and Ipil-ipil leaf meal should supply 18.4% CP and
is calculated as follows:
693 g CP required
- 518 g CP from Napier grass
175 g from rice bran and ipil-ipil leaf meal

175 g CP/950 g DM x 100 = 18.4% CP

Rice bran, 13.5 3.8 parts

18.4

4.9 parts
Napier,22.2
8.7 total parts
3.8/8.7 x 100 = 43.68% rice bran
4.9/ 8.7 x 100 = 56.32% Ipil-ipil leaf meal

0.95 kg DM x 43.68% = 0.41% rice bran

0.95 kg DM x 56.32% = 0.54 Ipil-ipil leaf meal

Amount TDN CP Ca Total P

Feeds
(kg) (kg) (g) (g) (g)

Napier grass 5.45 3.0 518 22.89 21.57

Rice bran, D1 0.41 0.35 55.4 0.33 6.56

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Ipil-ipil
0.54 0.36 120 2.11 1.62
Leaf meal

Total 6.4 3.71 693.4 25.33 29.75

On as fed basis, the animal should receive the following feed per day:

5.45 kg DM
Napier grass = 24.8 kg
22% DM

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On as fed basis, the animal should receive the following feed per day:

0.41 kg DM
Rice bran = 0.45 kg
91.9% DM

0.54 kg DM
Ipil-ipil leaf = 0.60 kg
90% DM
meal

Another approach in calculating the formula for ration for beef cattle is to have a pre-
determined roughage to concentrate ratio based on availability and prices.

Step 1: Write down the nutrient requirement of the animal

DM TDN CP Ca Total P
(kg) (kg) (g) (g) (g)

7.4 4.3 753 23 18

Step 2: List down the available roughage

CP Ca Total P
Feeds DM TDN
(g) (g) (g)

%DM basis

7.4 4.3 47 3.80 0.32 0.10

Step 3: Calculate the dry matter intake of roughage and concentrate mixture
based on the roughage to concentrate ratio (60:40).
7.4 kg DM x 60% = 4.44 kg DM from rice straw
7.4 kg DM x 40% = 2.96 kg DM from concentrate mixture

Step 4: Identify the amount of nutrients supplied by the roughage

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Amount TDN CP Ca Total P

Feeds
(kg) (kg) (g) (g) (g)

Rice straw 4.44 2.09 169 14 4

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Step 5: Calculate the amount of nutrient to be supplied by the concentrate

mixture by subtracting the values obtained in Step 4 from the nutrient
requirement

TDN CP Ca Total P
(kg) (g) (g) (g)

2.21 584 9 14

Step 6: Compute the nutrient composition of the concentrate mixture by

dividing the amount of nutrients in Step 5 by the amount of concentrate mixture
(Step 3)
2.21 kg TDN x 100 = 75% TDN
2.96 kg

0.584 kg CP x 100 = 20% CP

2.96 kg

0.009 kg Ca x 100 = 0.30% Ca

2.96 kg

0.014 P x 100 = 0.47% P

2.96 kg

Step 7: Formulate the concentrate mixture based on the nutrient composition

calculated in Step 6. Start with a fixed amount of the following: salt at 1%, urea at 1%
as a cheap source of crude protein, molasses at 5%, for palatability, and dicalcium
phosphate at 1% to supply calcium and phosphorus. Copra meal and rice bran can be
used as the major ingredients. Since the concentrate mixture is being used as a
protein supplement, use protein content as the basis for determining the proportion of
major ingredients. The following equation can be used.

Let x = amount of Rice bran D1

92 - x = amount of copra meal
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

0.135x + 0.2126 (92-x) + 0.04 (5) 2.88 (1) = 20

0.135x + 19.56 - 0.2126x + 0.2 + 2.88 = 20
-0.0776x = 20 - 22.64

x = -2.64
-0.0776
x = 34.02
92 - x = 57.98

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The concentrate mixture, on DM basis, is as follows:

Amount, TDN CP Ca Total P

Ingredients
(kg) (kg) (kg) (g) (g)

Rice bran 34.02 28.75 4.59 0.03 14

Copra Meal 57.98 50.11 12.33 0.09 0.37

Molasses 5.00 3.95 0.19 0.05 0.01

Limestono 1.00 - - 0.39 0.16

Urea 1.00 - 2.88 - -

Salt 1.00 - - - -

Total 100.00 82.81 19.99 0.56 1.10

The ration, on as fed basis, is as follows:

Amount
Ingredients Percent of mix
(kg)

Rice bran 37.02* 34.34*

Copra meal 61.03 56.60

Molasses 6.67 6.19

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Limestone 1.02 0.95

Urea 1.02 0.95

Salt 1.05 0.97

Total 107.81 100.00

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 Annexes

Calculated dry matter of concentrate mixture = 92.75%

*34.02 kg/ 91.9 DM of Rice bran = 37.02 kg
**34.02 kg/ 107.81 kg x 100 = 34.34%

On as fed basis, the animal should receive the following:

Rice straw 4.44 kg DM = 4.93 kg

0.90
Concentrate Mixture 2.96 kg DM = 3.19 kg
0.9275

The Body Condition Scoring (BCS) system is being used to assess body energy stores in
beef cows. For beef cows, the BCS system range from 1-9 (a score of 1 reflecting cow/s
that are emaciated and a score of 9 for those cow/s that is/are obese (Lalman et al.,
2017). Below is the description for each score:

BCS 1 Severely emaciated and physically

weak with all ribs and bone structure
easily visible. Cattle in this score are
extremely rare and are usually inflicted
with a disease and/or parasitism.

BCS 2 It appears emaciated, similar to BCS 1,

but not weakened. Muscle tissue seems
severely depleted through the Source: Lalman et al., 2017
hindquarters and shoulder. Image 63a. BCS 2

BCS 3 It is very thin, with no fat on ribs or in

brisket, and the backbone is easily
visible. Some depletion appears evident
through the hindquarters
Source: Lalman et al., 2017
Image 63b. BCS 3
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

BCS 4 It appears thin, with ribs easily visible

and the backbone showing. The spinous
processes (along the edge of the loin)
are still very sharp and barely visible
individually. Muscle tissue is not
depleted through the shoulders and
hindquarters.

Source: Lalman et al., 2017

Image 63c. BCS 4

123
 Annexes

BCS 5 It is described as moderate to thin. The

last two ribs can be seen and little
evidence of fat is present in the brisket,
over the ribs, or around the tail head.
The spinous processes are smooth and
difficult to identify.

Source: Lalman et al., 2017

Image 63d. BCS 5
BCS 6 It exhibits a good smooth appearance
throughout. Some fat deposition is
present in the brisket and over the tail
head. The back appears rounded and
fat can be palpated over the ribs and
pin bones.
Source: Lalman et al., 2017
Image 63e. BCS 6
BCS 7 It appears in very good flesh. The
brisket is full, the tail head shows
pockets of fat and the back appears
square due to fat. The ribs are very
smooth and soft handling due to the fat
cover.

Source: Lalman et al., 2017

Image 63f. BCS 7
BCS 8 The cow is obese. The neck is thick and
short and the back appears very square
due to excessive fat. The brisket is
distended and has heavy fat pockets
around the tail head

BCS 9 These cows are extremely obese and

may have problems with mobility due to
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

excessive weight and restriction of

limbs. The animal’s topline will be
square and flat with large dimples or
pockets due to excessive fat cover. The
front leg set will be wide due to a
bulging brisket. The entire underline will
bulge with fat, including the udder and
naval. The tail head will not be visible
as it will be covered in a large mass of
fat.

124
References
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EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI). 2021. Compendium of Animal Welfare Legislation,
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for Coverage Screening and Standardized Requirements. Retrieved from https://r7.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/
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2014-005 or the "Guidelines for Coverage Screening and Standardized Requirements under the Philippine
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EXPLANATORY MANUAL

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an Environmental Impact Statement System, Including Other Environmental Management Related Measures and
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Oita University supported by DA- BAI. 2022. Manual of carcass disposal. Animal carcass disposal manual, version 1
.2. Japan and Philippines One Health Rabies manual (JAPOHR). Accessible at: https://www.bai.gov.ph/media/
yi3mvgtx/9-carcass-disposal-manual.pdf

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at: https://amtec.ceat.uplb.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/405.pdf

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Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionist (PhilSAN). insert year. Nutrient recommendation for Beef cattle, Dairy
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rations for efficient microbial biomass production using in vitro gas production technique. doi:
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Animal Welfare Act of 1998". Retrieved at: https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/phi152405.pdf

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Seddighi R. & Doherty T.J. 2016. Field sedation and anesthesia of ruminants. Department of Large Animal Clinical
Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee. Vet Clin Food Anim 32 (2016) 553–570
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Sheldon C., Sonsthage T., Topel J. (n.d). Animal Restraint for Veterinary Professionals. Restraint of Cattle -Chapter
5, Second edition.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

128
References Photo References

PHOTO REFERENCES

Page 10
Image 1. Cover page of Animal Welfare Act of 1998 as amended by republic act 10631
Image 2. Personnel wearing appropriate working clothes for general husbandry and examinations/procedures.
Image 3. Prescribed farm attire which includes disposable coveralls, disposable rubber boots, and face mask

Page 11
Image 4. The (a) exterior and (b) interior of the staff house provided for farm workers includes (c) kitchen with basic
appliances, (d) bathroom, and (e) toilet and bath.

Page 12
Image 5a. Philippine Carabao Center. 2023. First aid kit located in house pen.
Image 5b. Philippine Carabao Center. 2023. Fire extinguisher located in an office building

Page 13
Image 5c. University of the Philippines - Los Baños. n.d. Sample format of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Page 18
Image 6a. Individual animal health record
Image 6b. Records of animal

Page 19
Image 6c. Sample of animal death report with date, sex, animal identification, age and cause of death
Image 6d. Sample of animal disposal report with details such as animal type, date, sex and age

Page 23
Image 7a. Sample of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
Image 7b. Sample of Certificate of Non-coverage Certificate (CNC)

Page 24
Image 8. Fair shipping. n.d. Sample of Certificate of Compliance with General Labor Standards.
Accessible at: https://www.fairship.com.ph/news/certificate-compliance-general-labor-
standards-certificate-compliance-occupational-safety-and-h
Page 28
Image 9. Physically incapacitated cow.

Page 29
Image 10. Sample poster of 5 freedoms of animals.

Page 31
Image 11a. Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) farm layout, located strategically near city proper
Image 11b. National Beef Cattle Research and Development Center (NBCRDC) farm layout, accessible to major roads
and highways
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Page 32
Image 12a. PCC. 2023. Water tank
Image 12b. Water tank

Page 33
Image 13a.Napier grass located near the working corral
Image 13b. Forage area located in the front of the farm

Page 34
Image 14. Google maps. 2023. Location of NSRI

129
 Photo References References

Page 36
Image 15a. PAES Carabao Feedlot (PNS/PAES 408:2001). Sample of top view of layout of carabao feedlot
Image 15b. PAES Carabao Feedlot (PNS/PAES 408:2001). Sample of side view of layout of carabao feedlot

Page 37
Image 15c. PCC. n.d. Side view of a carabao feedlot
Image 15d. Carabao Feedlot (PAES 405:2001). Floor plan of a cattle feedlot

Page 38
Image 15e. Cattle feedlot
Image 15f. PCC. n.d. Communal pen

Page 39
Image 16. Open-sided carabao housing

Page 40
Image 17. Pens designated for cattle to provide comfort
Image 18. PCC. n.d. Various types of drainage in the facilities

Page 41
Image 19a. Cattle provided with sufficient floor space
Image 19b. PCC. n.d. Carabaos provided with sufficient floor space to avoid overcrowding.

Page 42
Image 20a. Carabao Feedlot (PAES 405:2001). Typical cross section of a feeding trough

Page 43
Image 20b. Sample feeding trough
Image 20c. Water buffaloes feed in a feeding trough
Image 20d. Carabao Feedlot (PAES 405:2001). Typical drinking trough layout

Page 44
Image 21a. PCC. n.d. Typical drinking trough
Image 21. PCC. n.d.(b) communal water trough, (c) carabao drinking in the communal water trough
Image 22. PCC. n.d. Properly constructed communal feeding trough

Page 45
Image 23a. PCC. n.d. Well-elevated and properly maintained roof
Image 23b. Shed-type housing design with roof

Page 46
Image 23c. Monitor-type housing design with roof
Image 24. Electrical wirings covered with flexible PVC for electrical wirings
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Page 47
Image 25a. Movable restraining facility (cattle squeeze chute) located in the working corral

130
References Photo References

Page 48
Image 25b. Non-movable restraining facility
Image 26a. Clean and properly maintained pathways

Page 49
Image 26b. Personnel assessing the cleanliness of the facilities
Image 26c. PCC. n.d.Clean and maintained pathways

Page 50
Image 26d. Clean working corral

Page 52
Image 27a. Restraining area located inside the working corral
Image 27b. Squeeze chute a) side view b) front view (head gate)

Page 53
Image 28. Isolation area adjacent to feedlot area
Image 29. Cattle provided with comfortable pens

Page 54
Image 30a. PCC. n.d. Pasture area
Image 30b. Pasture area

Page 55
Image 31. Fruecthe J. 2021. Sample diagram of rotational grazing. Accessible at:
https://www.millbornseeds.com/blog/hay-pasture/rotational-grazing/

Page 56
Image 32a. Forage area
Image 32b. Manual harvesting of forages
Image 32c. Transferring of collected forages to pens
Image 32d. Feeding of forages in pens

Page 57
Image 33. PCC. n.d. Properly stacked feeds

Page 59
Image 34. PCC. n.d. Mortality pit
Image 35a. Perimeter fence for pasture area

Page 60
Image 35b. Perimeter fence to segregate pasture areas
Image 36a. Properly installed electric fence
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 36b. Constane J. n.d. Electric fence with warning sign

Page 62
Image 37a. Animals with ear tags
Image 37b. Ear tag plier

Page 63
Image 37c . Branding
Image 37d. Identification record of imported animals
Image 37e. Animal identification placed outside of the pen

131
 Photo References References

Page 64
Image 38a. White board where movement of animals are recorded
Image 38b. Sample of a watch-man record book

Page 65
Image 39. Personnel demonstrating proper artificial insemination

Page 66
Image 40. Individual pen for newly weaned calves

Page 67
Image 41a. Individual animal record
Image 41b. Stock inventory monthly report

Page 68
Image 42a. Record of semen production
Image 42b. Record of frozen semen

Page 69
Image 43a. Calf feeding on feed mixture

Page 70
Image 44. Additional water tank in case of power interruption

Page 71
Image 45. Certificate of License to Operate (LTO)
Image 46. Sample list of forages currently existing in the farm
Page 72
Image 47. PCC. n.d. Sample instruction of medication of each specific drug
Page 75
Image 48a. Hoof Nipper/ Trimmer
Image 48b. Hoof Knife
Image 48c. Brush
Image 48d. Hoof rasp and filing
Image 48e. Hoof chisel
Image 48h. Electric calf dehorner
Page 77
Image 49. Laboratory animal disease test report
Page 78
Image 50. PCC. n.d. Poster of care and maintenance of calves in the farm
Image 51. Herd health monitoring report
Page 81
Image 52a. BAI. n.d. Medicines shelf placed in a colder part of the room and away from direct sunlight
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

Image 52b. Drugs properly arranged in a kit

Page 82
Image 52c. Medical supplies and other chemicals are stored and arranged properly
Image 52d. Examples of drugs being used in the farm
Page 83
Image 53. Sample of herd health monitoring report

Page 84
Image 53. Sample health record which includes different tests performed in the animal
Page 86
Image 55a. Restraining area for performance of husbandry procedures and minor surgical procedures
Image 55b. Head gate of the chute

132
References Photo References

Page 89
Image 56. (a) Transport vehicle with animals. (b) Clean and empty transport vehicle

Page 91
Image 57. Animal health transport and handlers- By-products handlers License individual application form
Page 93
Image 58a. Biosecurity protocols book
Image 58b. Foot dip at the entrance of the farm
Image 58c. Constante J. n.d. Foot dip

Page 94
Image 59a. Wheel bath
Image 58b. PCC. n.d. Handwashing area
Page 95
Image 59. Animal health and welfare incident report form
Page 98
Image 61a. Well kept paddocks
Image 61b. Identification isolation area

Page 99
Image 61c. Working corral
Image 61d. Clean pen
Page 100
Image 61e. Empty feeding trough

Page 101
Image 62. Disposal of dead animals

Page 104
Image 63. Canva, n.d. Trash bins properly labeled

Page 119
Image 63a. Lalman D, Selk G., Stein D. 2017. Body Condition Scoring of Cow 2. Oklahoma State University.
ID: AFS-3283. Accessible at: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/body-condition-
scoring-of-cows.html
Image 63b. Lalman D, Selk G., Stein D. 2017. Body Condition Scoring of Cow 2. Oklahoma State University.
ID: AFS-3283. Accessible at: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/body-condition-
scoring-of-cows.html
Image 63c. Lalman D, Selk G., Stein D. 2017. Body Condition Scoring of Cow 2. Oklahoma State University.
ID: AFS-3283. Accessible at: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/body-condition-
scoring-of-cows.html
Page 120
Image 63d. Lalman D, Selk G., Stein D. 2017. Body Condition Scoring of Cow 2. Oklahoma State University.
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

ID: AFS-3283. Accessible at: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/body-condition-

scoring-of-cows.html
Image 63e. Lalman D, Selk G., Stein D. 2017. Body Condition Scoring of Cow 2. Oklahoma State University.
ID: AFS-3283. Accessible at: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/body-condition-
scoring-of-cows.html
Image 63f. Lalman D, Selk G., Stein D. 2017. Body Condition Scoring of Cow 2. Oklahoma State University.
ID: AFS-3283. Accessible at: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/body-condition-
scoring-of-cows.html
Page 121
Image 63g. Chastain C.B. Intramuscular injection site in cattle. Oklahoma State University. Id: AFS-3283.
Accessible at: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/body-condition-scoring-of-cows.html

133
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to acknowledge the following offices and its personnel for accompanying and
assisting the Bureau during the conduct of Field Data Gathering:

BAI- National Artificial Breeding Center (NABC)

BAI- National Beef Cattle Research and Development Center (NBCRDC)
Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office V
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

134
Technical Working Group
 Technical Working Group

Department of Agriculture
Technical Working Group for the Development
Explanatory Manual for Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Beef Cattle and Buffalo
DA Special Order No. 272 series 2023
Creation of TWG for the development of Knowledge Products of PNS

Members: Dr. Rio John T. Ducusin

Ms. Jesalyn L. Constante, DVM, MS
University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB)

Dr. Randolph B. Tolentino,

Ms. Phoebe Lyndia T. Llantada
Philippine Carabao Center (PCC)

Dr. Glenn M. Reyes, PhD

Dr. Ermyn D. Erminatnio
DA- Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI)

Mr. Greg C. Lapura

Mr. Rayan I. Ysulat
National Dairy Authority (NDA) - Southern Mindanao

Project managers: Ms. Nikki Rose G. Alegre, RFT

Ms. Katrine L. Maminta
Ms. Aubrey Katreena L. Ramos, L.Agr
DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards

Advisers: Director Karen Kristine A Roscom, PFT, PhD

Assistant Director Mary Grace R. Mandigma, PFT
DA-BAFS
EXPLANATORY MANUAL

136
Technical Working Group

Department of Agriculture
Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Development of the
Development of PNS for Agriculture and Fishery Products, Machineries, and Infrastructures

Philippine National Standards for Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Beef Cattle and
Buffalo - Code of Practice

Members: Mr. Reymart Barzanas

Dr. Marie Shella Ordinario
Dr. Glenn M. Reyes
Mr. Norman Tan
Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI)

Dr. Cherry Alvarez, MS

Dr. Emmanuel Mago, MS
Cavite State University (CvSU)

Dr. Rio John Ducusin

University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB)

Mr. Jimuel De Ramos

DA-Regional Field Office (RFO- CALABARZON)

Mr. Adrian Favis

Federation of Cattle Raising Association of the
Philippines (FCRAP)

BAFS Management Team: Dr. Gari Pellinor Hernandez

Mr. Aljon Reyes
DA - Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards
(DA-BAFS)

Advisers: Dr. Karen Kristine Roscom

Dr. Vivencio Mamaril
DA - Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards
(DA-BAFS)

EXPLANATORY MANUAL

137
This Explanatory Manual (EM) serves as a supplementary learning material for the Philippine
National Standard (PNS) Code of Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) for Beef Cattle
and Buffalo - Code of Practice (PNS/BAFS 200:2023). The EM aims to aid stakeholders by
promoting uniform understanding and interpretation of the PNS to ensure efficient
adoption and implementation of the Standard.

The PNS/BAFS 200:2023 was developed to support Filipino beef cattle and buffalo
farmers and to promote sustainable farming.

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instagram.com/da.bafs

www. bafs.da.gov.ph

[email protected]

(+632) 8273-2474 loc. 3303