NUEVA ECIJA – Local farmers have found a cost-effective way to raise carabao genetic make-up without purchasing new bulls through artificial insemination (AI) as a way to improve and sustain livestock production, here.

This was revealed during a two-day field documentation and interviews spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) thru the Project Support Office (PSO) in cooperation with the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO 3) on March 18-19, 2021 to document a subproject identified under the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP).

Inadequate number of skilled village-based artificial insemination technicians (VBAITs) in the locality was identified as a constraint found in the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) of Carabao And Carabao-Based Products that needed intervention to strengthen and enhance livestock management.

Crafted under the PCIP of Nueva Ecija, AI trainings were provided by the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) and Central Luzon State University (CLSU) thru its national bull farm located in Caranglan, Nueva Ecija to impart sufficient knowledge to selected members of dairy cooperatives in breeding carabaos with semen collected from a superior bull for a higher rate of pregnancy and calf drop.

Supervising Officer Cristina Elliana stressed that PCIP is an effective platform which has helped the local government units (LGUs) and farmers in identifying necessary interventions which were funded by the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) counterparts.

Elliana also mentioned that there are now 7 priority commodities in the province which are ampalaya, onion, goat, aromatic and pigmented rice, mango, tomato, carabao and carabao-based products.

With this, carabao was among the eligible commodities funded by participating LGUs.

Among the animal AI training participants is Eliseo Maslang, who was trained for several years, is grateful for the realization of AI as a tool to efficiently breed carabao hence the cost of maintaining bull is saved.

Meanwhile, Gilbert Daduyo of the Eastern Primary Multipurpose Cooperative, recognized the essence of AI in breeding carabao which augmented his income through dairy production.

Most likely, the practice of AI in livestock will continue to increase as it also beneficial in preserving rare breeds.

Currently, due to the pandemic situation, safety measures were implemented which allows only small groups of participants in batches can attend the AI training and seminars.

The impact of the PCIP has help in recognizing the use of biotechnology for the advantage of animal breeders and dairy farmers in rural communities which aims to improve livestock breeding, farm management and eventually increase productivity and profit.  (MA. REINA LEN G. LUNA, RPCO3 InfoACE)