L. Consing
President, Marfori-Consing Agricultural Corporation
Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines

ABSTRACT

Establishment of signal grass was done in Brgy. Enrique, Mati Davao Oriental in Southern Mindanao as part of its expansion program for cattle pasture operation in the locality. Utilization of signal grass shows great potential in supporting the feed requirement of cattle. Further studies are still needed and must be in high priority to determine the value of signal grass as a quality   feed for cattle and other ruminant animals. 

INTRODUCTION

In 0ctober 1997, Dr. Nelson Natural of the University of the Philippines  Mindanao, Mr. Frank Moog of BAI, and Mr. John Rains, owner–manager of Southedge Seeds Pty. Ltd. met in Davao City. The group was actually traveling around Mindanao to see the various developments that happened in the region for the past few years.

The group in their intention of developing the farm in Mindanao through the effort of Mr. Frank Moog visited a large–scale grazing trial in Albay in cooperation with the Ligao Farms System Development Corporation which actually utilized Signal grass for their animals under coconuts. During this time, BAI was currently involved in evaluation trials of various species where Signal grass has been found to be performing well.

In March 1998, through the concerted effort of Mr. Moog and Mr. John Rains, initial planting of Signal grass was done in a farm in Mati, Davao Oriental.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 12 bags (25 kg/bag) of Signal grass costing PhP 210,000 were initially planted in the farm with coconut for copra production as the main crop of the farm and cattle as its secondary source of income. The 200 ha farm is currently grazed by almost 230 heads of cattle.

Land preparation was done before the planting of seeds. First sowing was made during the month of June 1998. Seeds were sown along the furrows at the rate of 5 kg/ha. Difficulty was experienced during sowing period because of the heavy downpour of rains during the month of June. Scheduled dates of sowing were sometimes postponed and in some cases, sown seeds are carried down the slopes when heavy rain came. Nevertheless, even with these problems, 20 hectares of land planted with Signal grass was established which at this time considered to be an excellent pasture grounds for animals.

DISCUSSION

Signal grass versus Napier
Napier grass with almost 40 ha was the initial fodder established in the farm. Napier grass was utilized on a cut-and-carry system and its only disadvantage is the fact that it cannot compete with “Hagonoy” weeds   and  depletion  of  soil  fertility   in Napier pastures is rapid due to zero-grazing, while with Signal grass weeds have the difficulty to penetrate and addition to this, nut harvesters and pickers find it very convenient to move around in a Signal grass pastures. In Signal grass, weeds are completely wiped out. Based from the records last year, the farm obtained over two-thirds and about one-third of the total farm income from coconut and cattle operations, respectively.

Vision/Goal
Considering the significant contribution of cattle in generating additional income to the farm, the farm management decided to expand and set a goal of increasing the herd size of up to 400 heads within the next 2 to 3 years.  Signal grass was considered as an important tool in expanding cattle operations and increasing farmers’ income as well.