Southeast Asian Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences

An Evaluation of the PalayCheck System's Adoption Among Bulacan's Registered Rice Farmers

2025-05-14T18:48:51+08:00

The study aimed to assess the adoption of the PalayCheck System among registered rice farmers in Bulacan. In terms of socio-demographic and farming characteristic of the rice farmer, benefits derived from FFS participation and adoption, and the evaluation of the level of adoption of rice farmers in the PalayCheck System were examined. A descriptive research design method was used in the study. The respondents were drawn from the 2019–2020 TESDA RCEF-RESP graduates in Bulacan, with a total of 82 registered rice farmers were purposively selected to act as respondents of the study. Based on the results of this study, rice farmers were married males and older-aged adults, tilling 1.0 to 2.0 hectares of land, with more than 31 years of experience in rice farming. Rice farmers’ level of adoption of the PalayCheck System Key Checks showed a very high adoption rate, except in Key Check 3, “Practiced synchronous planting after a rest period” and Key Check 7 “No significant yield loss due to pests” both gained high adoption. In addition, rice farmers experienced significant benefits by strengthening their decision-making abilities and gaining confidence in managing and improving their farming activities. The study recommends enhancing farmer education through a farmer-centered approach, strengthening stakeholder collaboration with rice farmers in Bulacan, and encouraging further research on the adoption of the PalayCheck System.

Genotype-Specific Responses of Boar Semen to Organic Semen Extenders in Large White and Duroc Breeds

2025-06-20T16:16:36+08:00

This study focused on evaluating the motility rate of semen from Large White and Duroc breeds using organic semen extenders—specifically coconut water and honey—compared to a commercial extender used as the control. It explored the composition of these organic extenders, the morphology of boar semen based on normal fraction, and motility rate, which was assessed using a mobile computer-assisted sperm analyzer (mCASA). This study employed a Multiple Time Series Design (MTSD), wherein evaluations were both performed before processing, with the sperm temperature at 35 °C, and after processing. The samples were monitored at 18 °C from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 2-hour intervals. Monitoring occurred after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours across all treatments, including the control. Results showed that honey-based Treatment 4 best preserved motility in Large White boar semen for up to 12 hours, outperforming all other treatments, including the commercial extender. In contrast, coconut water-based Treatment 1 maintained high motility in Duroc semen for up to 48 hours, exceeding both commercial and organic alternatives. These findings suggest breed-specific responses to extenders and highlight the potential of Treatments 4 and 1 as effective, organic option. Future studies should consider genotype-specific traits to optimize semen preservation.

Evaluation of the Sensory and Physicochemical Characteristics of Lapanuggets (Rabbit Meat Nuggets)

2025-02-06T13:55:03+08:00

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly looking for better meat substitutes for everyday consumption in response to the growing demand for healthier food options. This study evaluated the physicochemical and sensory properties of Lapanuggets (rabbit meat nuggets), a novel product made from rabbit meat. A total of 79 panelists participated in a sensory assessment of the product as part of the study, which used a quantitative research design. Three types of Lapanuggets were created, namely: Treatment A, which contained more texturized vegetable protein (TVP) combined with rabbit meat; Treatment B, which had less TVP and more rabbit meat; and Treatment C, which contained pure rabbit meat. A number of sensory qualities, such as flavor, tenderness, saltiness, meaty aroma, and general acceptability, were impacted by the amount of rabbit meat in each formulation. Treatment C received the highest overall acceptability score, according to sensory evaluation. Nonetheless, there was no statistically significant difference in the scores between Treatment C and Treatment B, indicating that Treatment B might be a good substitute with less meat. According to the physicochemical analysis results, all treatments had high water activity (Aw) and moisture content (% MC), and adding up to 40% TVP had no discernible impact on these parameters. Treatment A's higher TVP content probably contributed to its much lower cooking yield results when compared to Treatments B and C. All samples were found to be free of Salmonella and S. aureus by microbial testing, indicating that they are safe to eat as long as they are handled and stored correctly.

Perception and Level of Adoption of Virtual Farmers’ Field School in the Province of Bulacan

2025-06-13T22:42:10+08:00

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly disrupted conventional agricultural training programs, prompting the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) of Bulacan to implement the Virtual Farmers’ Field School (VFFS) on vegetable production in 2021. This study evaluated the extent to which smallholder farmers integrated vegetable production practices taught through the VFFS and analyzed how socio-demographic profiles, farming characteristics, and perceived challenges influenced their application of these practices. A total of 90 VFFS graduates from eight cities and municipalities in Bulacan were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The research assessed practice application across four key production stages: land preparation, planting, crop management, and harvesting. Results revealed a generally high level of practice integration, particularly in planting, crop management, and harvesting. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between age and the degree of practice use, indicating that younger farmers were more receptive to the virtual training format and more likely to apply the recommended technologies and techniques in their farming activities. These findings highlight the effectiveness of virtual agricultural extension programs in improving farming practices among smallholder farmers, especially when supported by enabling systems. To further promote inclusivity and long-term sustainability, the study recommends strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing farmers’ digital literacy, and institutionalizing a hybrid approach that combines online and in-person learning.

Exploring the Performance Challenges Encountered by BSHM Students in Onsite and Online Laboratory Subjects: A Comparative Analysis

2025-06-07T14:25:06+08:00

This study examined the performance and challenges experienced by fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students at Bulacan Agricultural State College during their on-site and online laboratory classes in Academic Year 2020–2022. A descriptive research design was employed, and the data were collected from 60 randomly selected students using a structured survey instrument aligned with CHED CMO No. 62 program outcomes. The questionnaire, administered via Google Forms, was validated and showed excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach’s α = 0.944 for online and Cronbach’s α = 0.918 for on-site learning. The study gathered quantitative data on students’ academic performance, learning environment, psychological well-being, technological access, time management, financial concerns, and social interaction. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. To compare student experiences across modalities, non-parametric tests were employed after the normality assumptions for t-tests were not met. The results revealed statistically significant differences in psychological (p = 0.020) and environmental (p = 0.000) challenges, with online learners reporting more difficulties. However, no significant differences were identified in performance outcomes (GWA = 2.01 online vs. 2.03 onsite; p = 0.340) or in technology access, time management, financial issues, or social interaction. Thus, the study contributes to the understanding of how learning modality affects student well-being in practice-based programs such as hospitality management. While academic performance remained constant, the psychological and environmental burdens of online learning suggest the need for targeted interventions, such as institutional strategies to strengthen student support systems, particularly in virtual laboratory-based courses.

Evaluation of Giant African Land Snail (Achatina fulica) as a Partial Substitute for Fishmeal in the Diet of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

2025-06-10T20:11:38+08:00

The present study investigated the potential use of giant African land snail (GALS) in formulating an efficient and low-cost diet for laying Japanese quails. A total of 90 five-week-old female laying Japanese quails were reared under controlled conditions with three treatments and three replications using completely randomized design (CRD). The feed formulation is apportioned to the following diet treatments: T1 - formulated feeds as control, T2 - formulated feeds + 30% GALS, and T3 - formulated feed + 60% GALS. The results of the study revealed that T3 significantly excelled in terms of average total eggs produced (39.70), average egg weight (10.01 g), average feed consumption (1,298.73 g), and average color of the egg yolk (5.02). In addition, T3 proved to be the most effective in terms of feed conversion ratio (32.78 g), cost-return analysis with an ROI of 49.79%, and had the lowest cost of formulated feeds at ₱23.58 per kilogram in comparison with the other treatment. It was concluded that 60% of GALS is the optimum level for best laying performance of Japanese quail. Furthermore, the researchers highly recommended the use of 60% GALS and encourage further studies to explore higher substitution levels for fishmeal.