REGIONWIDE. Artificial insemination (AI) and pregnancy diagnosis are important techniques in the reproductive management of large ruminants. AI involves the introduction of semen into the reproductive tract of the female using various techniques, while PD is the process of determining if a female is pregnant. These techniques can greatly improve the efficiency of breeding programs and contribute to the overall health and productivity of the herd.

The large ruminant industry in the Philippines is comprised of cattle and carabao (water buffalo) farming, which are important sources of milk, meat, and draft power for farmers. The industry faces challenges such as low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to finance and technology. However, efforts are being made to improve the industry through various programs and initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and competitiveness.

In this regard, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas (ATI-7) implemented the training Basic Training Course on Artificial Insemination (AI) and Pregnancy Diagnosis (PD) for Large Ruminant held at the Ubay Stock Farm, Lomangog Ubay, Bohol on March 06-25, 2023 with 13 participants across the region.

The month-long activity aimed to capacitate and provide technical knowledge and practical skills in Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy diagnosis. In addition, (1) Know the basic anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems of large ruminants; (2) Discussed animal nutrition; (3) Discussed and explain good animal husbandry practices; (4) Identified/detected heat period of a large ruminant; (5) Proper evaluated, maintained and monitored the semen quality used for artificial insemination; (6) Know the recent advances in animal breeding and livestock improvement; (7) Performed artificial insemination using the recto-vaginal method; (8) Imparted knowledge on the usefulness of artificial insemination and large ruminant husbandry practices among farmer clientele.

“So, isa ra gud among ma promise as ATI nga all the knowledge, learnings and skills that we gained from the 3 weeks long skills training will be put wholeheartedly to the field with the shared common goals with Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) in carrying out efficient and effective livestock breeding programs using artificial insemination technology,” shared Franz F. Sumondong, Agricultural Extension Worker (AEW) from Maria, Siquijor.

The following are the resource speakers during the activity: (1) Ma. Maureen M. Manito, DVM, Veterinarian II from DA-Ubay Stock Farm; (2) Carl Leonard M. Pradera, DVM, Instructor from Visayas State University – College of Veterinary Medicine; (3) Jose Edu D. Escudero, Science Research Specialist I from DA-Ubay Stock Farm; (4) Rudito Cortes Mumar, Regional AI Coordinator from DA-Regional Field Office (RFO) VII; (5) Johnny M. Samson, Regional AI Coordinator from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (Bohol); and (6) Raul D. Migrino, DVM, VetMed IV and Chief of the Regulatory Division from DA-RFO VII.  

Together with trained AI technicians in the person of Emmanuel M. Halasan f LGU-Dimiao and Edilberto M. Ramada, Jr. of LGU-Loon.

Information Officer II, Jun Alguin B. Oliver is the Project Officer with Ryan Joshua V. Villena, Technical Support Staff.