Malaybalay City, Bukidnon--- Gathering 16 participants consisting of technicians from various provinces across Northern Mindanao to enhance their knowledge and skills in AI and PD techniques, a Training of Trainers (TOT) on Advanced Artificial Insemination (AI) and Pregnancy Diagnosis (PD) in Large Ruminants was conducted recently at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Livestock technicians manage the production and management of animals and animal products on a livestock farm. The training, organized by the Partnerships and Accreditation Section (PAS) of the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X), kicked off with an orientation session and lectures on the male and female reproductive anatomy and the current state of AI in the country.
Participants received in-depth instruction on reproductive physiology, semen collection, and AI techniques from experienced trainers including Dr. Sanito E. Jardenil, DVM, Agriculturist II Jair D. Rozal, and Senior Agriculturist James Oculares all from the Bureau of Animal Industry-National Beef Cattle Research and Development Center (BAI-NBCRDC).
Hands-on sessions played a central role in the training, with participants practicing palpation, body condition scoring, and semen handling. Field exercises were conducted, where the trainees diagnosed pregnancies, administered hormones, and performed heat synchronization on local farms. Such practical activities allowed participants to apply their newly acquired skills in real-world scenarios, improving their proficiency in AI and pregnancy diagnosis during the training proper from August 20 to September 3, 2024.
The training was led by four highly esteemed trainers Municipal Agriculturist Ysmael V. Orpilla, Retired Farm Manager Antonio G. Guillermo, and Retired Supervising Agriculturist Ernesto H. Bicarโall trained at the Kagoshima Prefecture Livestock Experimental Station in Japan, along with Retired AI Technician Priscillano A. Tuquib. Their combined expertise provided participants with a high level of instruction and mentorship throughout the course.
Throughout the hands-on training, participants engaged in quizzes, presentations, and re-entry plan proposals, with trainers providing valuable feedback to ensure their readiness to implement these techniques in their local areas. The training concluded with a graduation ceremony, where certificates were awarded, and participants were recognized for their dedication.
Overall, the TOT provided comprehensive training, equipping participants with the expertise needed to advance AI and PD practices in large ruminants, contributing to the improvement of livestock productivity in the region.
The training was facilitated by Agriculturist II/ Livestock Focal Jeric L. Cabatac and Technical Support Staff Joebert D. Apdian. (written by: Joebert D. Apdian, Technical Support Staff, photos furnished by the author)
