TORRIJOS, Marinduque – As part of the strategic interventions for sustainable production of Markaduke Pig Research and Development Program being implemented by the Marinduque State College-Torrijos Campus with technical and funding support from Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) the Project 1 component focuses on the improvement of productive and reproductive performance of nucleus Markaduke breeders.
The project is aimed to establish breeding strategies – a selection criteria and mating system for improved litter size, growth, carcass quality, and adaptation ability; establish the economic and breeding values of litter size, growth, carcass quality, and adaptation ability; and establish predictive reproduction and production parameters and models.
READ ALSO: MSC Torrijos ‘Markaduke’ now on its profitability testing at the farmers’ field
To fully realize the objectives, the Artificial Insemination (AI) laboratory was established to serve as avenue in the screening of candidate boar and testing of fertility as well as other techniques like dilution method to improve the service efficiency of the best boar. The AI laboratory is the first and only facility in Marinduque with Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA) which primarily performs tests to screen the male fertility of Markaduke boars.
According to the program leader, Dr. Arnolfo M. Monleon, this can precisely provide quantitative data on the reproductive status of a boar which are vital in the selection of high performing breeder for an improved production system. He proudly added that the team has trained boars for the purpose.
READ ALSO: MSC School of Agriculture strengthens proficiency of native pig farmers
Apart from being a huge benefit of outsourcing, having such facility is really an edge in achieving the efficiency of the breeders given that they have acquired already a CASA which gives a real-time data for proper analysis.
The Research and Development (R&D) team is currently focusing on the optimization of AI protocol as to the improvement of semen collection, quality, characterization and processing standards.
READ ALSO: Abalone treasures from the depths of Mimaropa seas
Further, R&D team has already achieved the 12 pigs weaned per sow per year (PWSY), and is now aiming to hit the 20 PWSY for their nucleus Markaduke breeders. – Marinduquenews.com
About the Author
Desiree Anne Sto. Domingo is currently working as Education Research Assistant at the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, Extension and Training in Marinduque State College.