To enhance local dairy milk production in Northern Mindanao, 20 dairy cattle stakeholders, i.e., researchers, dairy animal farmers, and local agricultural personnel, were trained on assisted reproduction for dairy cattle from July 1 to 3, 2025. The training was held at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) - Claveria Campus Library in Misamis Oriental.
The short-course training aimed to equip participants with knowledge on assisted reproduction techniques, particularly on Artificial Insemination (AI).
This initiative is part of the ongoing project, “Improving the Efficiency of Assisted Reproduction Techniques in Support of Dairy Cattle Breed Development,” aimed at increasing the number of genetically superior dairy cattle by enhancing the reproductive efficiency and overall productivity in local farms through assisted reproduction. The project is led by USTP Professor Imelda U. Hebron.
USTP Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Dr. Eric Randy Politud, welcomed the participants and expressed the university’s strong support for advancing the dairy industry in Northern Mindanao.
Dr. Synan S. Baguio, Director of the Livestock Research Division of DOST-PCAARRD, along with Dr. Excel Rio S. Maylem and Dr. Carlito F. Dela Cruz of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC); Mr. Christian V. Lualhati of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); Mr. June Rey Cabildo of the Negros Oriental Provincial Veterinary Office, and Mr. Romulo M. Cuervo of the City Veterinary Office, served as training resource persons.
Day 1 of the training consisted of actual demonstration on body condition scoring and AI, lecture discussions on reproductive physiology, overview of AI, estrus detection, and other AI-related technologies.
Day 2 devoted to the discussion of semen handling and storage, AI equipment, ultrasound scanning, and record-keeping; presentation on best practices in cattle AI in Negros Oriental and a second farm visit to facilitate practical demonstrations on AI and ultrasound scanning. These activities enriched the participants’ learning and provided them with valuable hands-on experience.
The final day focused on best practices in cattle AI in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental and a lecture on nutrition and silage production.
Given the numerous challenges facing the dairy industry, Dr. Baguio emphasized DOST-PCAARRD’s role as an enabler of dairy farmers. He also affirmed that this training is only the beginning of the agency’s sustained commitment to supporting the development of the dairy sector.
The Livestock Research Division (LRD) of the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) organized and implemented the “Training on Enhancing Dairy Animal Production Performance through Assisted Reproduction Techniques,” in partnership with USTP - Claveria Campus.