Goat raising can be a lucrative and low-investment livestock business, offering a relatively quick return on investment. However, many farmers struggle with limited access to high-quality breeding stock and the high costs associated with breeding activities, which hinder the growth of local goat production.
The price of goats largely depends on their size, genetic quality, and weight. For instance, a native goat that weighs around 16 kilograms can fetch about Php 1,600 when it reaches the marketable age of eight months. In contrast, a high-quality, upgraded goat, which may weigh around 30 kilograms, can be sold for twice that amount.
Farmers interested in improving the genetics of their herds face challenges in obtaining quality breeding goats, particularly bucks, which are not only expensive but also scarce. However, artificial insemination (AI) has emerged as a game-changing solution, allowing farmers to improve the genetic quality of their goats without needing to invest in costly breeding stock.
AI is increasingly used in livestock breeding, particularly in cattle and swine, but it holds significant promise for the goat industry as well. This technology facilitates the rapid spread of superior genetics by using processed semen from top-quality bucks. While AI has yet to gain widespread adoption in goat farming, its potential is undeniable. Barriers to wider use include the limited availability of processed semen, the scarcity of trained inseminators, and the lack of an established industry to support AI commercialization.
To overcome these challenges, the Cagayan Valley Small Ruminants Research Center (CVSRRC) at Isabela State University (ISU) launched a project in 2012 titled “Commercialization and Institutionalization of Artificial Insemination for Goats Delivery System in Cagayan Valley.” Supported by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), the initiative, led by Dr. Jonathan Nayga, aims to make AI technology accessible to local goat raisers and improve the genetic quality of goats in the region. The project primarily focuses on increasing the production of processed goat semen and training more technicians to provide insemination services.
Since its inception, the project has made substantial progress. It has not only benefited the direct participants but has also had a positive impact on the broader goat industry. The development of AI protocols and the successful commercialization of AI services have allowed the region to consistently upgrade local goat stocks and boost the production of high-quality goats for slaughter.
The Role of Frozen Semen in AI
One of the core innovations of AI in goat farming is the use of frozen semen. This process involves thawing semen from a superior buck and then depositing it into the cervix of a doe in heat. When the necessary equipment is available, using frozen semen can be more affordable than paying for a breeding fee.
As part of the project, the ISU-AI Goat Semen Processing Laboratory has been instrumental in processing and distributing semen. To further enhance the project, the laboratory acquired purebred breeder bucks to increase semen production. Now, frozen semen from Boer, Anglo-Nubian, and Toggenburg breeds is available for purchase by private raisers and commercial farms. These high-quality genetic materials are already reaching regions in Northern Luzon and Central Visayas, contributing to the overall improvement of local goat herds.
Supporting the Commercialization of AI Technology
In addition to providing frozen semen, the project also supports the commercialization of AI services. The semen is sold to raisers and technicians across the country, with each semen straw priced at Php 300. This commercialization effort has led to the development of various business portfolios that guide animal technicians in turning AI services into a viable livelihood. These portfolios cover a range of services, from insemination for large and small ruminants to the administration of biologics and semen processing.
Currently, more than 240 backyard goat raisers in 21 municipalities across Cagayan Valley have benefitted from the project, enjoying improved stock without the need to purchase expensive breeder bucks. This initiative has not only helped individual farmers but has also contributed to the region’s overall economic development by boosting local livestock production.
The Legacy of AI Research in the Region
Before the project’s commercialization, a previous initiative funded by BAR in 2002 helped establish an AI Laboratory at ISU. This facility laid the foundation for crucial research, further enhancing the process of semen handling and AI application in the region. Today, this laboratory remains an essential resource for ongoing research and development in the field of artificial insemination for goats.
The widespread use of AI in goat farming represents a significant advancement in agricultural technology, offering farmers a more affordable and efficient way to improve the genetics of their herds. With continued investment in research, training, and infrastructure, AI has the potential to transform the goat industry in the Philippines and beyond.