Department of Agriculture sets swine restocking program

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) is undertaking a swine restocking program to increase the genetic, productive and reproductive capacity of breeders and generate income generation for local government units (LGU’s).

The program provides and increases the market and economic opportunity of small-hold farmer producing fatteners or slaughter animals through access to good genetic materials artificial insemination (A.I.) centers, and provides Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)-accredited breeder farms with incentives.

The DA, through its GMA-Livestock Program, implements the restocking program of the existing Swine A.I. and Breeding Centers and other swine breeding stations/stock farms with certified purebred animals.

To date, the DA has distributed a total of 55 boars and gilts in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zambaonga Sibugay and Zamboanga City.

Dr. Victorino Guillermo, DA GMA livestock banner coordinator, said they extend technical expertise and assist in swine artificial insemination, breeding and fattening and disease management to the LGU beneficiaries as well as conduct constant visitation and monitoring of the health and performance of the swine.