“This training is very relevant and important to all of us because most of our AI technicians are aged and only a few of them are on duty. Thank you to our speakers for sharing your knowledge” expressed Mr. Emerson M. Tabangcura of PLGU-Apayao who attended the training on “Basic Training Course on Large Ruminants AI” last November 13-16, 2023 held at the Dam-muhan Hall, ATI-RTC-CAR, BSU Compd., La Trindad, Benguet.
The Project Officer and the Livestock Focal of the Center explained in her overview that artificial insemination (AI) is the most important single technique ever devised for the genetic improvement of livestock. This is possible because genetically superior bulls could produce enough spermatozoa to inseminate thousands of females per year. In the Philippine setting, most of the backyard cattle and buffalo raisers in the country have generally low-grade stocks. This is due to their inability to own high quality breeding stocks such as bulls. If ever there are such bulls available such as the governments bull loan program, the bulls natural breeding services is limited to the normal natural breeding capability of the bull per day. Hence, the intensification of Artificial Insemination Program through the UNAIP Program. In CAR, UNAIP record shows that we are one of the lowest regions with calf drop reported. Many factors can be pinpointed as contributory causes to this low performance. Foremost of which are the limited AI technicians and inadequate skills of the livestock coordinators in the provinces/municipalities to perform AI.
At the end of the training, the participants should be able to discuss the basic principles of AI on large ruminant is the terminal objective of the activity.
Topics discussed were: Large Ruminant AI in the Philippines; Large Ruminant Breeding focusing on: the large ruminant reproductive tract, physiology of estrus cycle, AI technique and procedures, semen collection, dandling and AI preparation, estrus synchronization and FTAI, and basic rectal palpation and pregnancy diagnosis; Feeding and Nutrition, AI reporting and recording. A hands-on activity was performed on basic rectal palpation and body scoring.
Because the training is an introductory course, the participants requested to undergo the advanced training if this could be scheduled in 2024 for them really conduct AI in their respective locality.
The training was attended by 24 active LGU livestock focals and coordinators.//with reports from Lorna Alboc and Ms. Maribeth M. Ladu-an
