LALA, Lanao del Norte---In support to the National Livestock Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and in partnership with the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH), a series of trainings on Swine Artificial Insemination is slated in three (3) batches which will transpire on separate venues in the region.

Artificial Insemination (AI) is one of the breeding methods that small hold raisers can practice on the reproduction of their animals in accordance with the farm operation type. AI was used to avoid inbreeding which mainly causes poor growth and transfer of diseases, utilized old potential boars, breed more sows one at a time (1 boar: 100 sows), and high conception rate.

Meanwhile, the Livestock (and Poultry) Program of the DA will help ensure food security, alleviate poverty, enhance income and profitability leading to a livestock industry which shows strong promise in terms of agribusiness venture anchored on food security and farmers’ profitability.

The first batch of the July 30 – August 3 training consists of 29 participants which mostly are Livestock Coordinators, Agricultural Technicians (AT) from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) and the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental. Batch 2 will be on August 13-17 at Central Mindanao University (CMU), Musuan Bukidnon while Batch 3 will transpire on September 10-14 in Cagayan de Oro City. Livestock Focal Person Aleli Jean A. Paulican organized and facilitated the said event.

The 5-day training, with Ms. Jenny Hornilla and Ms. Rhea Carandang of the ITCPH serving as Resource Persons (RP) equip our local AI Technicians with the necessary skills and techniques in heat detection and artificial insemination which will help our backyard farmers boost their swine production. (with reports from Aleli Jean A. Paulican, Livestock Focal Person)