WV artificial insemination technicians convene

Facilitating an avenue to enhance proper monitoring and reporting of accomplishments vital for livestock artificial insemination undertakings, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas conducted the Unified Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) Mid-Year Accomplishment Review in Iloilo City on October 19 to 20.

Artificial insemination (AI) is one of the agency’s banners services rendered nationwide by the DA-Regional Field Offices (DA RFO), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), National Dairy Authority (NDA), technicians of local government units (LGUs), and trained private village-based AI technicians.

This mid-year accomplishment review convened by at least 30 AI technicians from the region and partner agency officials was aimed at improving the accomplishments through addressing issues and concerns in the information of the AI program and strengthening UNAIP e-reporting.

“Collaboration among stakeholders is vital to encourage the sharing of experiences, new ideas, and good practices to sustain the proper implementation of the program,” said Wilmer Dela Cerna, DA-WV AI program facilitator.

Provincial AI Coordinators from Negros, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, and Iloilo, PCC, and NDA reported their mid-year accomplishments and review issues and concerns.

As of January this year, the region has a total of 50,730 heads of cattle inventory and the highest percentage of it comes from Iloilo Province. Backyard cattle raising also comprises 99 percent of the total inventory.

Strengthening the information and technical support for backyard raisers is deemed necessary by the AI technicians. It has been noted infusion of breeds among livestock, particularly on the backyard level, will help mitigate the effects of climate change in the livestock sector.

Meanwhile, Western Visayas ranks second in the national inventory of the carabao industry performance. The agency recorded a total of 291,654 heads as of January 2021.

“There is enough dairy supply for the region. We have recorded a total of 1,729,538 liters or 12.28 liters per animal per day for January- June 2021. Also, we have reached 118 percent accomplishment for breeding using sexed semen and regular semen for the stocks. In terms of pregnancy, NDA reached 107% accomplishment,” said Dr. Vicente Bitolinamisa, OIC Assistant Manager of NDA Western Visayas.

“NDA action plan for 2021 includes the strategic deployment of an ultrasound machine for PD activities; formalization of upgrading programs and mainstreaming of AI upgrading products; buyback and re-dispersal of AI upgraded products; and contracting breeding outsourcing with LGUs,” he added.

As of September, PCC has reached a total of 5,242 AI services regionwide and is eyeing to extend its functions to Romblon province.

In addition, the AI technicians discussed several issues and concerns affecting them— technicians in Panay Island have yet to claim for the breeding outsourcing incentives, some discrepancies in semen utilization and breeding reports by partner technicians, and an apparent lack of PD activities. They also propose to increase the calf drop and to gain strong LGU support for their activities. (MCMBuala/ DA-RAFIS 6).