My Boars Are In Iowa

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Commodities

• Animals: swine
• Animal Products: meat

Practices

• Animal Production: livestock breeding
• Education and Training: demonstration, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research, technical assistance

My piglet’s size and growth have decreased over the last 10 years in my swine operation. Even though I replaced my boars from
buying from other hog producers, the situation has not changed. It would take another 2-3 weeks to reach the roasting-size weight which
translate to more feed to buy and less space and pens to use in my farm. Family income has reduced. The Guam Department of Agriculture
has not brought live boars from the past 30 years. The University of Guam Cooperative Extension Service through a grant, conducted an
artificial insemination program in 1995-2000. Frozen semen was brought in. The crossbreds were used as parent stocks. The program was
not sustained after funds were all spent. The genetic quality of the local hog population slowly eroded up to this time. Transport of
liquid/fresh boar semen is now possible from Iowa to Guam via Federal Express in 5 days. Liquid or fresh semen can lasts from 7-9 days. I
believe that this methodology can accelerate the quality and improvement of the genetic make-up of my hog population. This is a
“user-friendly” technique for producers since it will not require thawing of semen, preparing and storing semen extenders and maintaining
liquid nitrogen tanks. Workshops and demonstrations will be conducted to hog producers. They will be educated on early weaning and
taking care of their sows’ body condition to ensure an early return of estrus. My aim will be to synchronize estrus of 10 sows and gilts every
time an order is made. Grant activities will be posted at websites and Facebook accounts of the Guam Northern and Southern Water and
Soil Districts, Green Valor and the University of Guam Extension and Outreach.

List of Objectives (10%) 1. A continuity in upgrading genetic make-up of the general swine population on Guam by the
use of fresh / liquid semen to prevent ill effects of inbreeding. 2. To educate hog producers on estrus synchronization. 3. To educate hog
producers on sow care and body maintenance through early weaning, proper nutrition and good records. 4. To train hog producers conduct
artificial insemination in their farm. Timeline: 6 mos. 9 mos. 12 mos. 15 mos. 24 mos.