ZAMBOANGA CITY — The regional office of the Agriculture department is stepping up efforts to promote artificial insemination for swine in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Artificial insemination extends the usefulness of genetically superior sires, limits the expenses and risks of keeping bulky boars, reduces disease contamination and facilitates crossbreeding, said Cedric Paule, swine coordinator of the Agriculture regional office here said.

There are 47 municipal swine centers in the region. Willy Peñaflor, information officer of the Agriculture regional office, said artificial insemination has been accepted by swine producers in the region.

He said seminars have boosted the "upgrading and crossbreeding" of swine among backyard producers through swine centers in Zamboanga Peninsula.

"The swine centers here are the sources of hybrid swine semen and livestock that are now spreading in Christian-dominated areas in Zamboanga Peninsula," he said.

Some local governments are also capitalizing on the swine dispersal program by dispensing the method for free or offering the service at a minimal cost to swine raisers.

Artificial insemination technicians can earn from P500 to P1,000 per service depending on the kind of breed.

"It has become a lucrative business now," Mr. Peñaflor said.

Some technicians in the region have expressed interest in undergoing training at the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry. The center which operates under the Diliman-based Agricultural Training Institute offers a week-long course on pig husbandry for public and private individuals.

"The participants can acquire proficiency in semen evaluation, processing and insemination. They will also be familiarized with the setup of a functional laboratory and the use of basic equipment for insemination," he said.