Convention of swine stakeholders features cutting-edge technologies

All roads for swine industry stakeholders lead to the 13th Annual Convention and Exhibition of cutting-edge technologies of the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI) on April 2-4 at the Megatrade Hall 2, Mandaluyong City.

The host of the event, themed "Discover the Goodness of Pork," is the Alliance of Swine Producers Association. NFHFI president Albert R.T. Lim Jr. said the gathering will enable swine raisers to meet and share experiences with suppliers, veterinarians and other stakeholders in allied industries.

Among the highlights of the affair are technical presentations on swine management, cooking demos, lechon parade and art contest

Topics for technical discussions are: Swine Raising (by Dr. Avelina Samiano of the Bureau of Animal Industry); Meat Processing (Dr. Katrina Mae Fortes of the Bureau of Animal Industry); Management and New Technology in Swine Artificial Insemination (Dr. Gary Althouse of the National Swine Registry); Genetic Technology Shaping the Future of the Industry Today (Vincent Borromeo of PIC Philippines);

Role of Feed Enzymes in Enhancing Feed Performance and Improving Cost Efficiency (Ma. Consuelo Maroon of Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc.); Swine Breeder Farms Accreditation Program and Technical Working Committee (Dr. Avelina Samiano of BAI); Artificial Insemination for Piggery Farms in Asia (Marcus Thalhofer of Minitub, Germany); Talakayan with Freddie Ong on Pig Management; and Salmonellosis Control (Dr. Carlo Maala of Boerhringer, Ingelheim.

Lim said 33 of the country’s largest firms in the swine industry have enlisted their participation. Major sponsors for the convention are Livestock Development Council, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bio Quest, BCS Systems, Casino Filipino, La Filipina Uy Gongco Corp., Manila Bulletin and Schering Plough.

Founded in 1990 NFHFI is a privately funded organization with 27 member associations — 15 on Luzon, 5 on Visayas and 7 on Mindanao.

The group involves itself in public policy issues as it cooperates with the Department of Agriculture on the issue of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and maintenance of pork prices at reasonable levels. It also assists its members and other stakeholders in coping with current developments to remain viable and profitable.

The forum is open to the public for free. For inquiries, call Annabelle Ajero at tels. 725-3618 or 726-3644 or Teresa Rada at tels. 845-1324 or 759-6690. — Ramon Epino