TO DEVELOP a pool of experts in artificial insemination (AI) for small ruminants in Region I, MMSU, in cooperation with the Ilocos Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILARRDEC) sponsored the Trainer’s Training on Artificial Insemination for Small Ruminants in Region 1 last Aug. 1-4 at the University Training Center.

The first ever in the region, the training aimed to increase the knowledge of participants on artificial breeding techniques in small ruminants; develop their skills of the processes/procedures in the artificial breeding; increase their awareness on the importance and benefits derived from AI; upgrade existing breeds of small ruminants in Region I through AI; and raise the income of rural households through the improvement of the breeds/stocks using AI

Twenty-two personnel from MMSU, Department of Agriculture, Ilocos Norte Provincial Veterinary Office, and local government units from Pangasinan, La Union, and Ilocos Norte, including the ILARRDEC Magsasaka Siyentista, attended the said training. Dr. Cayetano Pomares and Prof. Milagrina Pomares, both from the University of Southern Mindanao, served as trainors.  A combination of lecture and demonstration was used to familiarize the participants on the different aspects of artificial insemination such as: familiarization of the male and female reproductive tract, handling of semen in the laboratory and field, evaluation of semen for AI, introduction of AI in small ruminants, handling and familiarization of AI paraphernalia in small ruminants, protocol in AI of small ruminants using liquid and frozen semen, manipulation and handling of does and ewes for AI, post insemination evaluation and follow-up, guidelines in the care and management of pregnant females and follow-up until parturition care of kids/lambs, pre and post training activities, estrus and estrous synchronization, and record keeping.

The last day of the training was very challenging for the participants because they were made to do hands-on exercises on they learned in the four-day lecture. 

During the closing program, MMSU Extension Services Director Marivic M. Alimbuyuguen challenged the participants to put into practice what they learned.  She likewise, encouraged them to make Region I the goat center of the Philippines.