Africa-Press – Eswatini. About 59 pig farmers that are part of the Pig Industry Enhancement Project have praised artificial insemination for making their lives easier.
This was during a gathering at Mpisi Pig Breeding Station to train farmers on artificial insemination, which is one mechanism used in the country for production.
This method is now common in the country since more farmers are being educated on it and the feedback shows that it is easier to use.
The project is a correlation of Taiwan ICDF and the ministry of agriculture in the country.
The session had a theoretical and practical session to ease the understanding of the farmers.
Farmer Daniel Shongwe from Shiselweni was very pleased with the training since he is new in the pig industry. He said he was grateful for the opportunity granted to him to learn how to multiply production without having to spend much on boar management.
When comparing the natural mating and the artificial insemination, he said he noted that the A.I. cheaper and easier to use.
“The only trick is to be able to detect the signs of heat accurately, store the semen at the right temperature and do the entire process accordingly,” he said. Bhekimpisi Khumalo said he learnt a lot during each theory session where farmers were given a test to write. He said the test aimed to determine if the farmers understood what was being lectured.
The farmer, who scored the highest marks achieved a price of two semen straws that they collected when their female pigs were on heat, which he said would cut down production costs.
Khumalo also noted that a brochure was made available for the farmers to read through during and after the class, in both Siswati and English versions which gave the farmers a choice.
“I am very happy with my gilts, they are giving me about 16 piglets on average and the mortality rate is quite too low because the mothers can take care of the piglets as they have good mothering abilities,” said Khumalo.
Meanwhile, Project Specialist, Henry Jian said the theory was conducted by the extension officers in all four regions; Hhohho, Manzini, Lubombo and Shiselweni and were practically done by the farm technicians.
He said one farmer from each region was given a chance to inseminate the female pigs, which were selected by the farm technicians to inseminate.
Jian added that the farmers were taught about the heat signs to look at, which would guide them in selecting the right time to inseminate and emphasised the importance of knowing the genetics used in a farm as a farmer.
He said the farmers applauded the gilts they bought from the farm, saying they had been producing well for them and stating that they did not regret the decision of buying their breeding stock from Mpisi.
“It was delighting for PIEP to get positive feedback from the farmers. Seeing farmers coming into the pig industry is very much encouraging for us, hence we will continue to assist farmers with updated ways to continue their production.
It is also inspiring to receive positive feedback about the breeding stock generated from Mpisi Pig breeding station,” concluded Jian.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
