The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has developed a DNA technology that can identify genetically superior pigs and help local swine breeders earn more.
Synan Baguio said the technology allows breeders to identify pigs that grow faster, heavier and produce more meat; those which are prone to stress and die before slaughter time, and those which are likely to sire or sow more piglets.
Baguio, officer-in-charge of the livestock research division of the DOST Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), said the research started in May 2013 under the Swine Genomics R&D for the Swine Industry.
“We can now help those who want to go into swine breeding to choose the best breeding animal they can buy to increase their chances of a profitable operation,” Baguio told The STAR.
By analyzing the DNA of the pigs, swine breeders can increase more efficiently their livestock and improve the quality of their animals.
Science Secretary Mario Montejo said that the completion of the genomics R&D on swine was one of the DOST’s agriculture and aquaculture’s major breakthroughs in the past years.
“We are reaping the benefits of the various R&D projects we have invested in. We are confident it will be a big help to our farmers and contribute greatly to the national effort to ensure food security,” Montejo added.
He said the project placed the Philippines in a better position to capitalize on its being declared a foot and mouth disease (FMD)-free country. – The Philippine Star