MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES IN SWINE
MOLECULAR METHODS in swine breeding and selection are gaining the interest of commercial swine raisers as well as researchers in the country, it was learned from Dr. Synan Baguio, OIC of the Livestock Research Division of PCAARRD.
The technology starts with the collection of blood and extraction of its DNA. This will reveal markers for various desirable traits that can be used in breeding and selection of superior animals, as well as in screening out the genetic defects. This could result in bigger litter size, and also in reducing intervals of farrowing.
Aside from improving the litter size and reduction of farrowing intervals, molecular techniques can also result in the improvement of growth rate, and meat quality. Leaner meat with marbling is preferred by consumers. There are also markers for disease resistance, which can be used in breeding more resistant stocks. demand and also seeks new markets when sales are low. As a marketing strategy, he gives generous commission to agents who can close a deal. Of course, aside from incentives to sales agents, the excellent performance of his fingerlings often serves as the advertisement in themselves. That is why a lot of his buyers are repeat customers.
As a reputable source of fingerlings, Lugaygay sees to it that every sale comes with complete technical advice for the duration of the culture period to ensure success of his buyers. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Dr. Nelson B. Bien was very happy about the success of Lugagay, and said that the region needs more winners and fish farms operators like Lugagay in order to bring about much needed increase in fisheries production in Region 2.