THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), is stepping up the implementation of its artificial insemination (AI) program for livestock particularly dairy cattle and carabao.

The province's AI program received a boost through the operation of liquid nitrogen plant at the Negros First Ranch (NFR) in Barangay Sta. Rosa in Murcia.

The plant mainly serves as preservation facility for frozen semen of cattle and carabao for distribution among raisers.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who visited the NFR last week, has lauded the scheme in attaining self-sufficient and sustainable livestock and dairy production.

For his part, Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said the liquid nitrogen plant has actually contributed positively in increasing farm animal population, especially cattle and carabao, to a level that can address the demand of the community.

"It has also benefited stakeholders especially those engaged in semen processing, liquid nitrogen ice-cream as well as for medical and academic purposes," he added.

AI is one of the techniques in improving the breed of animals by introducing good quality semen to a female native.

Improving the genetic makeup of the animals helps livestock farmers increase their income while boosting animal population.

PVO records showed that from January to June this year, the province has inseminated a total of 2,333 animals.

Of the figure, 878 are cattle and 1,455 are carabaos inseminated under the Unified Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas.

On July 3, DA-Western Visayas turned over AI paraphernalia like straw sheaths and gloves to the provincial government.

The province currently has available frozen semen straws of brahman, holstein friesian cattle and buffalo.