NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is upbeat that the newly-inaugurated Artificial Insemination (AI) Laboratory Center at Barangay Gahit in E.B. Magalona town is seen to help improve livestock quality and increase productivity of swine raisers in the province’s Third District.

Lacson, who led the launching Wednesday, March 11, said the project which costs about P1 million will produce genetically improved stocks.

It is part of the Provincial Animal Genetic Improvement Project that aims to provide quality breeding materials to provincial organized groups by making quality genetics available to backyard raisers.

The launching was attended by swine raisers and associations from different towns and cities in Third District.

Also present were Board Members Andrew Montelibano and Manuel Frederick Ko, E.B. Magalona Vice Mayor Eric Matulac, Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena and Barangay Chairman Reynaldo Mendoza, among others.

Meanwhile, a Pekin Duck Multiplier Farm located within the area was also inaugurated.

Lacson advised the beneficiaries to “take good care” of the project given to them as he expressed hopes that the projects will benefit more local farmer-raisers.

For his part, District Veterinarian Ruffa Mae Gersaniva said the pork industry is currently threatened not only by the African Swine Fever (ASF) but also of the high cost of feeds and raw materials.

Genetically improved livestock is an answer to the challenge, she added.

According to the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), the benefits of AI included production of more sows compared to natural mating, prevention of transfer of diseases among swine, and cost efficiency in terms of food ratio. (EPN with reports from Capitol PIO)