Aklan State University finishes research to purify native chicken

FILE: Andrade, first runner-up in the 2008 search for outstanding MS, sells his darag chicks at P0.75/head. His farm is also capable of producing day-old chicks and ready-to-breed pullets/rooster. (Photo by DOST-PCAARRD)

MANILA — Aklan State University has just finished its research on purifying the nutritious and healthier Darag native chicken lines, a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) official said.

According to the DOST-Food and Nutrition Institute (FNRI), Darag chicken meat has less fat; is high in protein and rich in potassium; and contains more unsaturated fatty acids.

FNRI researchers said Darag chicken has a unique taste and meat texture, and is used in delicacies such as litson, inasal and tinu-om.

“You need to purify their (genetic) lines so you could call them native chicken. The enzymes in this chicken makes its meat taste very, very good,” DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara told the Philippine News Agency.

Darag is a free range chicken which is healthier for consumption and commonly found in Iloilo, Panay, Negros and Guimaras.

She said it is distinct for its black tail feathers and grey shanks. It is also ideal for lactating mothers.

“The objective of Aklan State University’s research was to make Darag as the first purified native chicken lines,” Guevara said, adding that the university is now looking for a private company which can commercialize the technology it has discovered.

Meanwhile, Capiz State University has a project on for the establishment of a “Science and Technology Model Farm on Free Range Darag Native Chicken.”

This project, which started in April 2016 running until March 2018, aims to apply various technologies in free range chicken production since western Visayas is the leading native chicken producer in the country, according to the DOST.

Among these technologies are the development of native chicken breeding and hatchery management system that would ensure stable supply of both breeder and slaughter native chickens; artificial incubation and brooding; and botanical dewormer.

The DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, which funded Capiz State University’s project, earler said it expects this to help increase farm production and profitability of free range native chicken raisers.