My Boars Are In Iowa

Project Overview

FW17-014
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 2017: $13,597.00
Projected End Date: 10/31/2019
Grant Recipient: Eddie Saure
Region: Western
State: Guam
Principal Investigator:
Eddie Saure
Eddie Saure

Commodities

  • Animals: swine
  • Animal Products: meat

Practices

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

    Proposal summary:

    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.
    
    

    Project objectives from proposal:

    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.
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.