TAIWAN, Republic of China – Pouring out its support to the livestock industry in the Philippines and its movers, the National Livestock Program through Dr. Ruth Miclat-Sonaco, conducted an activity entitled “Technology for Working Pathways in Animal Breeding” on March 24-30, 2019 which let nine livestock focal persons from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Centers (ATI-RTCs) explore and learn strategies for an active livestock sector from Taiwan Council of Agriculture.

Further, it aims to understand, observe and gain insights on breeds of poultry and livestock, sperm cytometer, measurement, cooperators and extension associated with value creation in animal industry development.

The group visited the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine of the Council of Agriculture, Dairy Research Center of Taiwan Livestock Research Institute which performs Research and Development and services of Milk Analysis Laboratory and forage production, Chianan Goat Products Cooperatives, Four Ways Dairy Company and Yuan Jin Chuang Enterprise Co. Ltd.

They also attended a Seminar on “Philippine and Taiwan Technology for Working Pathways in Animal Breeding: Boar Semen Evaluation” and observed actual Boar Auction at Boar Performance Test Station. A workshop on Sperm Cytometry Measurement was also done at Taiwan Animal Germplasm Center. Moreover, they listened to a briefing on Robotic Milking (Automatic Milking System) at Meiquen Dairy Cattle Breeding Farm which displayed a highly mechanized farm operation.

Said venture was done in partnership with Dr. Ming-Che Wu, Chief of Genetics and Breeding at Taiwan Livestock Research Institute

“It was a very productive experience. Everyone was inspired and excited to share the techniques imparted to us from the different speakers especially towards issues addressed to the Philippine Swine Industry,” said Ms. Florita G. Lozada, ATI-RTC 13 Livestock focal person.