Hog backyard raisers in Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental can now improve the breeds of their livestock in a more convenient and reliable manner. This is through Artificial Insemination (AI). Recently, an AI Center sponsored by the National Livestock Program was established at Jika Farm in Lala, Lanao del Norte. Two other AI sa Barangay projects will be established in the last quarter of the year at Jimenez, Misamis Occidental and Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City. These Centers will be offering AI services at very affordable rates.
Artificial Insemination (AI), an animal breeding method, is not commonly patronized. First, because there are very few who have the technical expertise to do so; second, there are only very centers offering the service; third, the negative perception of farmers on AI; and fourth, the popularity of “Boar-for-Hire" in the Barangays.
To address these concerns, a 5-day training on Swine Artificial Insemination (AI) was conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) last September 9 to 13, 2019 at Jika Farm, Lala, Lanao del Norte. The Training is conducted under the National Livestock Program (NLP) of the Department of Agriculture.
The participants were Hog Farmers specially those who engage in “Boar-for-Hire” to encourage them to convert to AI.Other participants include Agricultural Extension Workers from the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental. Participants were given AI starter kits as post-training support which they can use at their own farms and municipalities.
The training aims to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills in AI. Also, Ai strengthens biosecurity and eliminate spread of disease especially now that ASF is a very hot issue.
The Resource Persons (RP) of the said training were Dr. Ferl Marie Palangan, DVM, Mr. Ronald Acenas who are both recipients of the AI sa Barangay project of ATI-NLP and Ms. Aleli Jean Paulican of ATI-RTC X. All three Resource Persons were trained at ATI-International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH) in Lipa City, Batangas.
The Training consists of lecture and practicum. Participants were trained on heat detection; boar training, semen collection, semen processing and Insemination. The activities included above plays an important role in the success of AI. (From reports of Anthonette June D. Russel and Aleli Jean A. Paulican).