Capitol Distributes P6M-Worth of Cattle Squeezer, Abattoir Equipment

Cebu Governor Hilario P. Davide III on January 16, 2018 turned over to various LGUs components of meat dressing equipment and squeeze chutes worth P5.673 million, prompting Cebu as the first provincial government to provide its LGUs with this type of machinery.

In a talk during the formal turn-over ceremony, Davide revealed that giving out these chutes is among the Capitol’s archetypal feat, as this is the ‘first time’ they dispense a huge cattle handling facility with a dimension of 2 x 3 x 10 meters.

A squeeze chute is a strongly built stall for safe holding of cattle, horses or other livestock while they are examined or given veterinary treatment.

The cage will provide for safety of the animal and the people attending it because the close-fitting crush ensures that the animal stands “stock still”.

In line with the Provincial Veterinary Office’s Artificial Insemination (AI) Program, these cattle crush will minimize the risk of injury to both the animal and the operator while an AI operation is performed.

Provincial Veterinarian Mary Rose Vincoy said the chutes, which costs around P188,000 each, will speed up implementation of the AI program as genetic improvement of livestock will become fast and easy.

During the ceremony, a veterinarian demonstrated how to squeeze-in a huge 20 month old Red Brahman inside a squeeze chute. While pressed inside the crusher, one can milk the cow, examine its front legs, hind legs, neck or subject the cow in heat to AI procedure.

Moreover, Department of Agriculture (DA)-7 Regional Technical Director Joel Elumba said the Capitol’s move is responsive as Central Visayas’ economy is mainly driven by poultry and livestock. Elumba is among the guests in last Monday’s ceremony.

Elumba explained that while the DA is just starting to include the chutes in its budget, the Capitol is already proceeding with its distribution.

“Karon pa maoy pagsugod pag-apil (squeeze chute) sa budget sa Department of Agriculture, pero ang Cebu naa na,” said Elumba.

Davide and members of the Provincial Board (PB) members present turned over 23 squeeze chutes, five viscera inspection tables, 20 live weight weighing scale, five evisceration platform and 51 tattoo slapper with ink.

Present during the ceremony were Sogod Mayor Lissa Marie Durano-Streegan, Marilyn Wenceslao of Santander, Erwin Yu of Tudela, Mariano Martinez of San Remigio, Lito Creus of Malabuyoc, and Nicepuro Apura of Carcar city.

Vice mayors Greman Solante of Tudela, Richard Streegan of Sogod and agriculture officers of recipient LGUs also attended and claimed their equipment.

Also present were PB members Celestino Martinez III, Jerome Librando, Christoper Baricuatro, Horacio Franco III and Jude Sybico.

www.cebu.gov.ph