• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday distributed P724,000 worth of poultry and livestocks to farmer-beneficiaries in various local government units.
Produced from the Negros First Ranch and the Provincial Livestock Breeding Center and Dairy Farm, the animals were dispersed for the implementation of the Provincial Swine Industry Recovery Initiatives and Animal Genetic Improvement and Livelihood Programs.
The breeder boars and gilts are production from the newly operational swine breeding and technology demonstration farm facility at Negros First Ranch in Murcia, according to the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).
The distribution of breeder pigs at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City is part of the repopulation initiatives of the province aimed at to fast track the recovery from the ill effects of African swine fever (ASF) and hog cholera, the PVO further said.
These boars will be instrumental also in promoting the use of artificial insemination as a breeding method, which is advantageous over natural mating, in terms of accelerating productivity and preventing the spread of ASF and hog cholera, Provincial Veterinarian Placeda Lemana said.
Also distributed were cattle, free range chicks, ducks and sheep.
Lemana said that the aim is to sustain and improve production efficiency through infusion and upgrading of stocks in LGU-operated breeding centers and multiplier farms and those raised by backyard farmers. | GB
