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.
