PVO: 75 percent of pigs genetically improved
ABOUT 75 percent of the swine population in Negros Occidental are already genetically improved, or infused with provincial pig breeder bloodline through the Provincial Animal Genetic Improvement Program (Pagip).
This was the result of the third quarter assessment of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) held at its office in Bacolod City on Tuesday, October 9.
PVO, in a statement, said the measure on improving the genetic makeup of local existing stocks particularly swine started in 2005.
The number of genetically improved swine stocks continues to increase hence, meeting current production needs in the various market environment, it added.
Based on the 2018 per district swine production mapping by the District Field Units of PVO, the increased production of the quality breed of hogs in the province through the infusion of new bloodlines, whether by natural and artificial means, reached a sustainable growth for the past years.
This is also attributed to the initiatives of provincial farms, satellite production centers, and backyard animal raisers who are members of the associations organized by PVO.
The mapping further showed that for swine alone, the infusion of parent stock gilts and boars were found to have higher litter size as compared to local breeds.
Improvement in market weight of fattened pigs has also been found to yield more meat.
Aside from the increasing numbers of backyard raisers, there are currently animal production centers operating in 15 local government units (LGUS) in Negros Occidental supporting Pagip.
Upgrading the genetic composition of the locally existing breeder livestock and poultry through the infusion of purebred breeder stocks to backyard raisers prevents inbreeding of stocks.
Also, the program supports the slaughterhouses operation especially in northern and southern portions of the province.
PVO said since the implementation of Pagip, the province’s livestock and poultry industry was able to sustain its lead in the nationwide statistics especially in terms of production.
Genetically improved lines for breeder livestock and poultry had been recognized for its significant contribution to the national economy as well, it added./epn