First AI Facility with State-of-the-Art Equipment Opens in Bohol

Feedstar Enterprises, in partnership with Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation (PANC), opened the first standard swine artificial insemination (AI) facility with state-of-the-art and in Bohol last January 14, 2020.

The new AI facility, Feedstar Genetic Material Processing Center (GMPC), in Tagbilaran City will benefit over 30,000 backyard hog raisers in the province by giving them access to improved and quality genetic materials.

“Common artificial insemination often fails to deliver optimal results due to improper handling and use of the genetic material – a gap that the GMPC  facility addresses for our Partners in Bohol,” notes project lead, Pilmico Veterinary Services and Training Specialist Dr. Lemuel Espinazo.

“This will help our backyard farmers maximize their production,” adds Dr. Espinazo.

AI is an easier and practical way to carry out genetic improvement in hog production. Its standard process starts with boar selection, semen collection, evaluation, processing and storage; estrus detection; procedure of insemination; and breeding performance evaluation.

Ariel Sotelo, a hog raiser, and breeder for 10 years, shares his thoughts on the new AI facility.

“Makakatulong ito dahil may ‘standard’ na at mas makakasigurado kami na 100% buhay ang semilya. Pinaka-importante kasi sa mga breeders na mabuntis ang mga alaga nila” he notes.

With AI technology, a single collection of pure semen can be used to breed an average of 10 sows, unlike in natural mating where the ratio is 1:1. It also prevents the spread of diseases among hogs, avoids transportation stress and possible injuries during natural mating, and discounts physical incompatibility and handicap of the stocks, among many others.

“Sakripisyo rin ang pagdadala ng mga barakong baboy sa mga inahin. Minsan nagwawala pa ang mga ito kaya mas mahirap at nakakatakot,” notes Sotelo, who used to lease his boars for natural breeding during his first year in business. Today, happy and content using AI, Sotelo hopes that through the newly opened facility, more breeders will be encouraged to use artificial insemination.

To date, Pilmico has partnered with eight Agri Centers and two training institutes all over the country to establish GMPCs and equip backyard farmers with total solutions to optimize production – continuously advancing businesses and communities.

Here’s a list of Genetic Material Processing Center in partnership with Pilmico:

1. Josehl’s Farm Supply – Gonzaga, Cagayan Valley
2. Feedstar Enterprises – Tagbilaran City, Bohol 
3. New Bian Yek Commercial – Dumaguete City
4. Tesda AI School – Biliran 
5. AY Mart – Maasin – Southern Leyte
6. Happy Enterprises & Res. Inc. – Butuan City
7. Lofer Family Mart – Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte 
8. Pagadian Ace Marketing – Pagadian City 
9. Cobus Global Prime Venture Corp.- Zamboanga City
10. Central Mindanao State University – Bukidnon