CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Rationale

The development of animal production in the Philippines has historically been led by

the swine industries, with Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog serving as the primary locations

for expansion operations for these two agricultural sectors. sectors (Delgado et al. 2003;

Costales et al. 2003). Although this results in higher revenue and job opportunities, it has also

been linked to pollution and environmental deterioration. Increasing the size of animals and

birds. Operations frequently lead to improper management and over use of the natural resources

that are accessible as a result of the high demand for ecosystem services. Additionally, the

expansion of animal production is linked to important environmental problems like increased

generation of waste materials like effluent and manure.

However, African Swine Fever had a significant impact on the Philippines' pork

industry in 2020, which led to a decline in the volume of hog production overall (-6.7 percent

lower than the 2019 output). The annual average retail price of lean pork in 2020 was 4.3

percent more than in 2019, as was the average farm gate price for slaughter pigs, which was

likewise 2.9 percent higher than the average price for the year in 2019. Furthermore, compared

to the prior year, the quantity of live hogs has decreased by 10.9 percent. The country's swine

inventory fell by 24 percent between 2020 and 2021. (PSA, 2019).

The province of is a prime example. Through intense agricultural endeavors,

particularly in the breeding of cattle and poultry, Biliran has witnessed significant rates of

population increase, urbanization, and industrialization (BAS 2007). Unfortunately, these

which has been steadily declining. Within the river, there are numerous small- to large-scale

livestock operations, and untreated farm effluent is routinely released into its streams. The river

has become eutrophic due to nutrient loading in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus from

animal byproducts from swine and poultry farms, drastically diminishing its biota (Alcantara

and Donald 1996). In addition to disrupting ecosystems, the presence of pollutants and toxins

from both point and non-point sources changes the water's physical and chemical properties.

The study was commissioned by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to offer

an impartial evaluation of livestock health and production in the Biliran province as a starting

point for further in-depth investigations. This FAO effort intends to restructure the food and

agricultural system in order to create a system of livestock production that is more sustainable.

The province was chosen as the subject of the pilot case study due to its relative size, strategic

significance in the environmentally vulnerable Biliran rivers, and the sizeable number of

livestock and poultry that are raised in both backyard and industrial settings. Laguna province

offers a great chance to examine the complexity and diversity of waste management solutions

across a range of rural settings since it is a microcosm of interactions between livestock and the

environment, as well as environmental limits and opportunities.

This field study focuses on various swine management practices that are crucial for the

efficient and secure production of cattle. A farm is required to have the required equipment and

infrastructure in order to raise hogs and tightly enforce disease control in the neighborhood.

Alde Agricultural has supplied numerous farm enterprises with structures and tools, including a

farrowing house, finishing barns, breeding barns, etc. This is done to ensure the safety of the

farmers, technicians, owners, and clients.

efficient and secure livestock production are the focus of this field study. A farm needs all the

necessary tools and infrastructure to produce hogs as well as to strictly enforce disease control

in the surrounding area. For the many farm operations, Alde Farm has provided buildings and

equipment such a farrowing house, finishing barns, breeding barns, etc. This is done to protect

the farmers', technicians', owners', and customers' safety.

Review of Related Literature

Four indigenous pig breeds are recognised in Laos, ‘Moo Chid’, ‘Moo Laat’, ‘Moo

Daeng’ and ‘Moo Nonghaet’ (Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000), most of which are high fat,

swaybacked Asian breeds (Stür et al. 2002) and are black in colour with the exception of Moo

Daeng (which literally means ‘red pig’). Landrace and Duroc are the most popular and common

of the imported breeds raised in Laos (Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000). While indigenous pig

breeds raised by traditional practices far out number imported breeds (Vongthilath and

Blacksell, 2000), commercial farming using non-traditional practices is on the increase, with

semi-intensive farming concentrated in the central provinces of Vientiane Capital and

Savannakhet (MAF, 2002). Indigenous pig production using traditional farming practices

accounted for approximately 89 % of total production in 2002 (MAF, 2002) compared to an

estimated 96 % in 1999 (Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000). Pig raising density using traditional

practices varies somewhat by region and is most prevalent in the north of the country; greater

than 60 % of agricultural holdings in the northern provinces raise pigs, compared to 30 – 60 %

of agricultural holdings in most central and southern provinces (Table 1.1; MAF, 2000).

Vongthilath and Blacksell (2000) describe three pig raising systems in Laos:

smallholder or traditional farming system, small family business and semi-intensive. The
typical smallholder farm raises 1-3 pigs that are left to roam free in the village and in some

cases are penned. These pigs are fed a variety of feed stuffs, ranging from rice bran, corn,

cassava, waste from village ‘rice whiskey’ production, edible grasses or weeds, household food

scraps (Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000), banana stem, taro and yams (Stür et al. 2002). This

form of production is very labour intensive and food collection can take up to 2 to 3 hours each

day in some areas (Stür et al. 2002). Smallholder pig farming is generally the responsibility of

women in all regions of Laos (ADB, 2002). The small family business system generally raises 3

to 6 indigenous, imported or cross breed pigs in a penned system in the ‘backyard’ or village

environment. Pigs raised in this manner are managed and fed with higher quality feed

(Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000). Semi-intensive pig farming systems raise large numbers of

imported breed pigs in a managed farm situation and are fed high quality commercial feed

which may be combined with locally produced improved feed stuffs (Vongthilath and

Blacksell, 2000). Semi-intensive farming may involve the purchase of weaner pigs for fattening

before sale (Stür et al. 2002), or a farming system with both breeders and growers. Farmers

using commercial feed are, however, disadvantaged by the relatively high cost of procuring

feed compared to neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam (Stür et al. 2002).

There is only limited information available in the literature specifically addressing pig

production and reproductive performance of traditionally raised pigs in Laos. As described

above, a number of pig farming systems exist in Laos, with the majority of pigs raised by

smallholder farmers using traditional practices (Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000). According to

a recent review of pig production in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Thailand

(Kunavongkrit and Heard, 2000), productivity of the pig industry varies greatly between

countries and varies according to the ratio of intensive farms to smallholder producers.
Countries with a greater proportion of pigs produced in intensive piggeries have markedly

greater productivity (Kunavongkrit and Heard, 2000). In Thailand, the ratio of intensive to

smallholder production was approximately 80:20 in 1998 compared with Vietnam which was

20:80, and in Thailand yearly pork production per sow was more than double that seen in

Vietnam (Kunavongkrit and Heard, 2000). In Laos, the ratio of intensive to smallholder

production was approximately 10:90 in 2002 (MAF, 2002). The reproductive performance of

pure-breed sows in Thailand is, however, poor when compared with the same breeds in Europe.

A humid and hot climate, infectious disease, poor nutrition and management practices all have a

detrimental impact on productivity in Southeast Asia (Kunavongkrit and Heard, 2000).

Recent research has shed light on the reproductive performance and productivity of pigs

produced by traditional raising practices in the Philippines (Lanada et al. 1999; Lanada et al.

2005; Lee et al. 2005; More et al. 1999; More et al. 2005). Tropical smallholder pig production

has also been studied in the Solomon Islands (de Fredrick, 1977) and Kenya (Wabacha et al.

2004a; Wabacha et al. 2004b). In general, the reproductive performance of sows raised in the

tropical smallholder farm sector is significantly lower than the tropical intensive farm sector,

with smaller litter sizes, greater inter-farrowing interval and higher pre-weaning piglet mortality

(Lanada et al. 1999; Lanada et al. 2005; Wabacha et al. 2004b). The reproductive performance

of boars in smallholder production systems has also been demonstrated to be sub-standard.

Boars in smallholder systems in the Philippines are poorly used even if a plentiful supply of

potential breeding stock exists, leading to a decrease in sow reproductive performance and a

high incidence of in-breeding (Lanada et al. 2005). Sub-standard reproductive performance of

breeding stock in smallholder systems has largely been attributed to poor management

practices, breed, poor nutrition and disease such as parasitism (Lanada et al. 2005; Wabacha et
al. 2004b). Pre-weaned and grower pigs are also likely to perform poorly in the tropical

smallholder production system due to problems associated with nutrition, management and

breed (Lee et al. 2005; More et al. 2005; Wabacha et al. 2004b).

Disease has been identified as the major constraint to pig production in Laos by a

number of authors (Stür et al. 2002; Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000). Classical swine fever

(CSF) is recognised as the infectious disease of pigs that has the greatest importance to pig

production (Stür et al. 2002), and likely accounts for a large number of pig deaths in all

production systems (Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000). Other viral diseases of swine and

bacterial diseases such as salmonellosis (Salmonella choleraesuis) and erysipelas

(Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae) are likely to have a large impact, as does infestation with the

parasite Ascaris suum, which results in retarded growth and production losses (Vongthilath and

Blacksell, 2000). Poor nutrition is also a major constraint to pig production in Laos (Stür et al.

2002; Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000), and contributes to poor resistance, which in turn

exacerbates the problems of infectious disease (Stür et al. 2002). Poor nutrition is the result of

feeding poor quality feed and the lack of availability of higher quality feeds such as broken and

cracked rice, cassava and maize (Stür et al. 2002; Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000). The high

cost of quality commercial feed limits its use predominantly to semi-intensive pig farmers

(Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000). Other factors having a negative impact on pig production

include, but are not limited to, the high labour demand of women which makes it difficult for

them to concentrate time on pig raising (Stür et al, 2002), poor market access in more remote

areas (Stür et al. 2002; Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000) and limited access to high quality

veterinary attention and effective vaccination services (Vongthilath and Blacksell, 2000).
Objective of the Study

The Field Exercise sought to:

1. Gain knowledge about pig farming in practice by making careful observations. and

tests carried out while visiting farms.

2. Observe and record the numerous routine pig farming practices.

3. Comparing practical application of theory with resources from the real world used

in the procedure.

4. Evaluate the operational issues and make some potential recommendations.

Time and Place of the Field Practice

In March and April 20221, the field practitioner traveled to Brgy and visited the

Godinez Farm. Sitio puro Kube, Lucsoon, Naval, and Biliran to evaluate and monitor their

swine farm management procedures.

Research Design

A. Survey Form

The primary data was gathered using a traditional field survey method that included a series

of questions about swine management systems. Smallholder and commercial farms have varied

sets of practices and management techniques, hence different survey questionnaires were

utilized for each. Prior to conducting the survey, the enumerators pre-tested the survey forms to

check for consistency and relevance of the questions. The survey team chose accessible

smallholder farms and commercial farms in Sitio Puro Kube, Brgy. Lucsoon, Naval, Biliran, as

pre-testing locations. The final survey questionnaire included the broad conclusions of the

pretesting activity.

For the purposes of this study, farms were divided into two groups: smallholder operations

and commercial operations. Smallholder swine rearing is defined by the Bureau of Agricultural

Statistics (BAS) as any swine enterprise with a population of little more than 20 adult pigs,

which may be classed into either I or II. In contrast to Type II raisers, who are less interested in

technology and simply tether or confine the pigs to temporary enclosures, Type I raisers strive

for a good return on investment and use better swine technology. On the other side, poultry

production is classified as either large-scale, which is described as a production system of

industrialized broilers and layers of exotic hybrids, or backyard operation with less than 100

native or crossbred birds per home (BAS 1987).

B. Farm selection

The province of Biliran's municipalities were included in the study. For smallholder swine

farms, a purposive sampling approach was used in consideration of a month-long survey study
and to guarantee the acquisition of pertinent data. In the first round of sampling, the

municipalities in the province of Biliran were divided into two strata based on their proximity

to the Biliran River: lakeshore and inland. Based on the animal population density per

commodity (swine), the dominating environment, and the participation of the Municipal

Agricultural Officer, municipalities were chosen from each stratum in the second round of

sampling (MAO). The survey was conducted in eight municipalities, of which one was deemed

inland and seven were designated as areas. Based on the previously outlined selection process,

the following lakeshore municipalities were chosen: Naval, Almeria, Kawayan, Caibiran,

Cabucgayan, Culaba, and Maripipi. Biliran was chosen as an interior municipality.

Barangays from each municipality were selected for the third stage of sampling based

on the criteria established by the Department of Agriculture Municipal Agricultural Office/City

Agricultural Office (DA-MAO/CAO). These include accessibility and cattle density for each

commodity. Per municipality, two to seven barangays were covered. The DA-MAO/CAO and

Livestock Inspector choose the farm respondents for the study based on their availability and

willingness to participate in the study.

The Department of Agriculture's Municipal Agricultural Office produced a list from

which the commercial farms included in the study were chosen (DA-MAO). With assistance

from the MAO, the identification of individual commercial farms was carried out.

C. Respondents

With an overall animal population of 1,266 heads, the smallholder swine farms surveyed

had a total of 80 responses. The survey also included nine commercial swine farms with a total

of 651 animals. In contrast, the list of municipalities included in the study, together with the
overall number of respondents for each product, using descriptive statistics, information on how

the surveyed farms managed and disposed of their solid and liquid wastes was examined.

When the student arrived to the farm, a member of the administrative staff gave them a

warm welcome and guided them through the various parts of the farm. A member of the staff

was tasked with explaining the regulations, guidelines, and other details pertaining to farm

operations and general farm activity. The subjects that the agricultural personnel talked about

were noted by the pupils and written down. Following the trip, Mrs. Godinez, the farm's owner,

gave the students the information they required for their individual research projects with the

assistance of their secretary. The practitioner went back to Alde Farm to learn more about the

farming practices and management there. The student academic adviser planned an orientation

after the farm visit at Godinez Farm and talked about how to write the book properly. When

there were data gaps, the information acquired from the farm owner functioned as a secondary

source and support. Additionally, the data was complemented with information from additional

readings and the internet. The actions that the farm owner and the student mentioned are shown

in Table 1.

Table 1. Timeline of activities accomplish at Maribel Godinez farm

Date Farm Tasks/Activities

Ares/Section

Sept.11 Farm Compound Arrival at Bandoy

Farm
 Orientation

Sept.12 Farm Compound Farm tour

 Breeding

Area

 Fattening

Area

 Farrowing

and

WeanlingAre

 Feed Bodega

Sept.13-20 Farrowing Assisting of sucking

Section and farrowing sow

Giving iron and

vitamins

Cleaning the

farrowing house

Tail docking, teeth

clipping and
 Castration

Sept.21-27 Weanling Section Cleaning the area

Feeding the newly

weaned piglets

Sept.28-Oct.5 Fattening Cleaning the pigs

Section

Cleaning the area

Oct.11 Documentation of

Whole Farm farm facilities and

Equipments
 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

A. Description of the Farm

Farm History and Present Status

The Maribel Godinez Hog farm which is located in Sitio. Puro Kube, Barangay Lucsoon,

Naval, Biliran was established in year 2005. The hog building was made of bamboo and

galvanized iron as their roofing and it operated in a conventional way. The owner started by

raising with 1 boar and 4 sows. In the following years the hog farm was going smoothly by

year 2007 and then they increased their hog heads in 15 sows and 10 boars.in the year of 2013

when the super typhoon Yolanda came , the hog farm was slightly damaged and need

reconstruction but this time the hog farm was upgraded into strongly made materials and it was

finance from the owner’s savings and also the owner’s wife contributed half of her salary. Year

by year the owner was able successfully increase his farm assets.

Presently, the farm has reached 52 sows and 15 boars level in a 1 hectare. The farm also

includes areas of native chicken and one house for ducks.

Farm Location and Layout

Maribel Godinez hog farm was located at Sitio, Puro kubi, Barangay Lucsoon Naval,

Biliran. It is 5 kilometers away from proper naval. The farm can be only accessed by light

vehicle like the motorcycle and also light four-wheeler. Figure 1 shows the map of Lucsoon in

Naval Biliran, while the Figur 2 shows the Layout of the farm.
Farm Owner
Mrs. Maribel M. Godinez

Farm technician
Crispulo L. Perocho
 Caretakers
George Rene F. Lirasan

Maintenance Personel
Jay-R Serafin

Figure 3. Organization Structure of Maribel Gonenez Hog Farm at Sitio. Puro Kubi, Barangay

Lucsoon Naval Biliran.

Physical Resources

The physical resources of Maribel Godinez hog farm are considered as essentials for the

success of the hog farm business and also the right combination of functional facility and

equipment should be provided.

The individuals in charge of and in charge of a particular operation determine the level of

productive and successful farm production. These people think about improving the farm's

productivity as well as their own individual operations. These people are committed to their

work but always have their time, effort, and pay on their thoughts. The key to success is that the

farm can only be productive if the workers are willing, knowledgeable, compassionate, and

visionary. Godinez Farm employs a number of workers who are essential to its efficient

management and production. The farm's organizational structure is depicted in Figure 3.

Farm Owner are responsible for supervising all the operations and providing financial

assistance. They made all the operations well organized and orientated to commit to the vision

and mission of the farm. Farm Manager Maribel Godinez, responsible for budgeting and

maintaining accurate financial records, organizing the sales and purchases of livestock, farm

equipment, crops, and other agricultural products. Farm Animal Supervisor. Mr. responsible for

checking animals' health status, assures good performance, and guarantees disease-free on the

farm. His great responsibility is to provide proper health care to the animals on the farm.

Training officer. George Rene F. Liras and Ms. Paula Placa are responsible for developing

training materials for the farmers. Also, they are conducting training sessions for the

beneficiaries, the target farmers are responsible for evaluating the knowledge and skills of the

farmers who receive training to make sure that the training approach is inaccurate.

Farm technician. Mr. Roberto Dela Cruz and Mr. Rex Fuentes are responsible for

taking care of the animal, organizing the feeding, giving water and vitamin supplementation,

maintaining health status,

other employees in the processing area and monitor product quality at plants that turn raw

materials, including vegetables and grains, into products.

Farm Encoder. Mr. Kenneth Boyna and Ednalyn Gagabu-an are responsible for

entering accurate data and organizing documents of the farm . They make sure that the files are

appropriately prepared and saved to backup drives.

Workers Quarter. This is the only workers quarter in the farm it has 2 rooms it had

concrete flooring and walling provided with the electricity and water.

Plate 1. Workers Quarter

Plate 6. Boars Rows

Other Farm Equipment and Facilities

Water Tank. There are two(2) water tank in the farm . This is made from concrete materials

and it has contain 52 barrels, among the two water tank this is the huge one.
Plate 9. Water Tank
Wheel barrow
Plate 11 tricycle
Plate 12. Syringe
Plate 13.Kanpsack Sprayer
Plate 14. Grasscutter

Farrowing Pen
Health Management

Plate 16. Vaccination (Iron)

Grower/Finisher Management

In Maribel Godinez Hog Farm, the growers were given grower pellet at the the age of

128 days at a desirable weight of 70-90 kg live weight.they were given feed Ad libitum to get

the exactly market weight. However smaller growers are sold as “letchonon” in the farm.

Plate 17.Grower Hogs