TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture has started a native chicken breed that is said to be well-suited for weather conditions in the Cagayan region.
Named as ‘DADOS chicken', the native chicken breed that was four years in the making was launched in April last year.
DADOS chicken was named after the local DA’s thrust of becoming a “dedicated agency ready to deliver outstanding services” which was coined by OIC Regional Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino.
The new chicken breed was a terminal breed from 4-way crosses using four breeds that have good traits for egg-laying and grow faster than the usual native chicken.
“This improved native is designed for the local weather conditions and will thrive on a free-range system of production,” said Ferdinand S. Arquero, project leader of DADOS chicken.
Arquero said DADOS chicken came to life under the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development Project.
Aquinov said the breed is a promising chicken breed that is set to overcome the significant income losses incurred by livestock raisers due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the African Swine Fever.
The first batch of beneficiaries is prospect breeder multiplier farms which shall be accredited to reproduce the breed.