Month: June 2024

Eleven new artificial insemination (AI) technicians from three regions in Mindanao pledged their support in strengthening the genetic improvement of cows and carabaos after they officially completed the month-long basic training course on AI and pregnancy diagnosis in large ruminants held at the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at USM in Kabacan, Cotabato.

With the support and funding from the DA-National Dairy Authority-Southern Mindanao, the said training, held from May 6 to June 4, aimed to equip partner agencies with comprehensive technical expertise and practical skills essential for AI and PD services for large ruminants.

The participants coming from Region XI, Region XII, and BARMM undergo different sets of lectures and activities focusing on understanding the anatomy and physiology of female reproductive systems of large ruminants, animal nutrition, good husbandry practices, heat detection, semen quality assessment, recent advances in animal breeding, recto-vaginal method for artificial insemination, and the significance of artificial insemination for farmer-clients.

“After this training, you will be well-prepared as effective AI technicians in the field. Always remember that with AI, we can optimize breeding cycles and ultimately boost milk production, leading to the satisfaction of our clients, the Filipino farmers,” DA-PCC at USM Center Director Geoffray R. Atok said.

Moreover, DA-NDA Southern Mindanao Department Chair Marlon C. Flores, represented by AI coordinator Greg Lapura, highlighted the engagement of new AI technicians in the Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) for large ruminants, which provides strategic direction in the current AI delivery system efforts of the Department of Agriculture as they will be part of undertakings of the national livestock agencies (NLAs), namely the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), NDA, PCC, and DA Regional Field Offices (DA-RFO), as collaborators in carrying out efficient and effective livestock breeding programs using AI technology.

As AI serves as one of the banner programs of the agency, the DA-PCC at USM continues to expand its engagement with different agencies and local government units to produce animals with better productivity for milk and meat.

Indian embassy chargé d’affaires Dr. Sadre Alam recently visited the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center National Headquarters and Gene Pool in an effort to explore mutually beneficial collaborations aimed at strengthening India-Philippines relations.

During the visit, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development Dr. Claro N. Mingala and OIC-Chief Knowledge Management Division Rowena S. Galang briefed Dr. Alam on DA-PCC’s programs, services, and mandate. They highlighted the nationwide milk feeding efforts, which benefit a significant number of children and carapreneurs, and provided an overview of key initiatives such as the Carabao-based Enterprise Development Program (CBED) and the Coconut-Carabao Development Project, the latter funded by Senator Cynthia Villar.

Dr. Alam’s visit also included a stop at the National Livestock Cryobank, where he was warmly welcomed by Dr. Liza Battad, Executive Director of DA-PCC. Dr. Battad and Aivhie Jhoy Cuanang, Science Research Specialist I, showcased the research facilities and discussed the cryobank’s role in conserving diverse animal genetic resources, emphasizing DA-PCC’s commitment to livestock preservation and enhancement.

The itinerary also featured a quick tour of the gene pool and a visit to Milka Krem, the DA-PCC’s dairy products outlet. Dr. Alam and his family purchased various DA-PCC products, with the ambassador noting his family’s appreciation for the items and mentioning that drinking milk is a popular tradition in India.

Expressing keen interest in future collaborations, Dr. Alam offered both technical and financial assistance to support DA-PCC’s initiatives marking a positive step towards enhancing agricultural and scientific ties between India and the Philippines.

An increase in local dairy stocks and milk production in Western Mindanao regions is anticipated after the turnover ceremony of newly constructed institutional herd facilities for the Dairy Herd Buildup Program (DHBP) on May 24, 2024, at the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Mindanao Livestock Production Center (DA-PCC at MLPC) in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte.

The DHBP aims to revolutionize the local dairy industry, ushering in a new era of increased local dairy stocks and milk production. It is funded by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, under the dedicated leadership of Senator Cynthia A. Villar.

“It is by God’s grace that we had a systematic leader, and by God’s grace that He blessed us with the right construction company. This project is an icon of transformation to change the lives of the cooperatives that depend on us,” said Dr. Liza Battad, DA-PCC’s executive director.

The facility, with a total cost of PHP10,530,648.41, is capable of housing 300 crossbred animals. The animals purchased will be raised on the institutional farm. Artificial insemination will be used to produce offspring with a superior genetic makeup. The pregnant and bred animals will then be supplied to carabao raisers, mostly in Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) locations.

Aside from the construction of facilities, the program also involves pasture establishment to ensure a consistent supply of forages and composting for zero waste management.

The event was graced by Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA-PCC’s deputy executive director, Dr. Cecelio G. Velez, DA-PCC at MLPC center director, Raymond Taopa, proprietor of Altapil Construction and Supply, Engr. Rolando Maghanoy, a representative from the local government of Kalawit, DA-PCC staff, conduit cooperatives managers, members, and farmers.