This study sought to gather information necessary for research and planning purposes for the development of the carabao industry in the locality whore the study was made. Information on the estimated total carabao population, current feeding and management practices, and the approximate feeding potential of the farm/industrial by-products including the problem areas which impede the growth of the carabao industry in the subject barangays were evaluated.

This study was conducted in three barangays surrounding the main campus of the Central Mindanao University and located within the municipalities of Maramag and Valencia, Bukidnon. A total of 176 respondents were interviewed with the use of s mimeographed schedule.

The carabaos in the three barangays had combined total of 485 head: 227 from Lumbo, 141 from Dologon, and 117 head from Kisanday. The average number of carabao and draft animals por former, respectively, was 2.08 and 1.48 for Lumbo; 1.92 and 1.38 for Kisanday; and 1.88 and 1.36 for Dologon.

Handfeeding of calves was not practiced in 11 barangays. Caracalves were naturally weaned at an average age of 12.30 months while forced-weening was done at an average of 9.78 months. Calving rata was at an average of two calves within a period of three years. Incidence of heavy calving occurred during the period of Merch, April, and May, and the period of September, October and November. Rebreeding was done at an average of 5.48 months from calving. Caracows were made to work again at an average of 3.32 months after calving. Caracows were not milked by all formers in the three barangays.

Carabaos were first used for breeding at an average edge of 3.68 years with an average of 2.16 services in n year. Carabaos were castrated at an average of 3.51 years.

Carabaos were broken for work at an average age of 1.83 yours: trained for work at an average of 2.63 hours per day for an average duration of 8.09 days. Work Carabaos were used at an average of 4.92 hours per day at an average of 160.89 days in a year end served as draft animal for an average period of 4.74 yours. The hiring rete of Carabaos for working ranged from 20 to 30 pesos por day with the owner doing the work for the other farmer. However, for the use of the carabao alone, the rate ranged from 10 to 15 pesos daily.

Method of feeding was usually done by tethering the carabao to any patch of idle lend where grasses are abundant. Rice straw and corn stover were not commonly fed. Feed supplementation was occasional and mineral supplent was provided in the form of salt, commonly practiced as there were only 13.07 percent of the total respondents reported having had their animals vaccinated.

Farmers dewormed their carabaos either by commercial dewormers, human drugs or local preparations (e.g. herbs). Most farmers dewormed their calves but only very few dewormed their adult carabaos.

There were 15 cases of abortion, 45 cases of pre-weening mortality and 19 cases of postweaning mortality reported.

Waste products from rice, corn, and sugarcane in the three barangays were calculated et 4,958 tons. This could support 1,653 head of livestock for 1 year.

Scarcity of foods and pasture areas especially during the dry season was the main problem of most farmers.

Thesis (Master of Science - Animal Science)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references