Livestock Genetic Improvements in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

View the project final report

• 2008 annual report
• 2009 annual report

Commodities

• Animals: bovine, swine

Practices

• Animal Production: livestock breeding
• Education and Training: extension, farmer to farmer, focus group, mentoring, on-farm/ranch research, participatory research, workshop
• Farm Business Management: new enterprise development, budgets/cost and returns
• Sustainable Communities: local and regional food systems, partnerships, community services, sustainability measures

The growing population of the Pacific Islanders such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana ISlands 9CNMI), Guam , Palau and the Federated State of Micronesia are very limited in their capacity to feed itself due to shortfalls in agricultural production. Average livestock population ranges from 5-20 head per rancher managed in confinement and free-range systems. According to Department of Commerce statistics of 2001, in the CNMI alone, it is estimated that the indigenous Chamorro and carolinians consumptions is in the range of 4-5 pounds of meat that is consumed and processed every day. Also, 95% of the meat requyirements is imported from outside sources. Livestock inbreeding, high cost of feeds, and unavailability of genetic breeding materials are the current problems encountered. The importation of live brood stocks (cattle and swine) is expensive and impractical. In addition, there is increased risk of possible exposure to new emerging diseases which of homeland security issues. There has never been an upgrading program for local livestock for the past 10 years. These issues may be addresser with the increase of agricultural knowledge in the field of animal husbandry, resulting in increase local production of quality meats, improve nutrition, and increae income that will enhance the quality of life of the people.

To undergo AI certification (coordinator and producer) for cattle and Swine for a sustainable, profitable promotion of the project;

To perform Train the Trainers Program with the three producers in the three islands regarding Artificial Insemination for cattle and swine;

To lead participants in detection of heat, selection and culling and actual insemination protocol;

To come up with an AI video from logistics, AI demo and actual insemination for sustainable implementation of the program;

and, to be able to provide community service while creating an alternative business opportunities to one of the participants.