Production Objectives and Trait Preferences of Smallholder Farmers in the Philippines: Implications for Designing Breeding Schemes Utilizing Indigenous Swine Genetics

Authors

• Joy Banayo, Animal Breeding Division, Institute of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031, Laguna, Philippines; Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, JapanFollow
• Kathlyn Louise Manese, Animal Breeding Division, Institute of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031, Laguna, Philippines
• Kaito Furusho, Animal Breeding Division, Institute of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031, Laguna, Philippines
• Madeline Kingan, Benguet State University, La Trinidad 2601, Benguet, Philippines
• Justine Ayomen, Benguet State University, La Trinidad 2601, Benguet, Philippines
• Marcelino Saliw-an, Kalinga State University, Tabuk City 3800, Kalinga, Philippines
• Karina Marie Nicolas, Isabela State University, Echague 3309, Isabela, Philippines
• Kayvin Joel Petipit, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Bayombong 3700, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines
• Dorothy Pagbilao, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Bayombong 3700, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines
• Vea Roven Arellano, National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center, Bureau of Animal Industry, Tiaong 4325, Quezon, Philippines
• Rene Santiago, National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center, Bureau of Animal Industry, Tiaong 4325, Quezon, Philippines
• Flomella Caguicla, Provincial Veterinary Office, Capitol Compound, Brgy. 10, Lucena City 4301, Quezon, Philippines
• Arnolfo Monleon, Marinduque State College, Torrijos 4903, Marinduque, Philippines
• Giselle Perlas, Marinduque State College, Torrijos 4903, Marinduque, Philippines
• Giselle Perlas, Marinduque State College, Torrijos 4903, Marinduque, Philippines
• Rea Palma Ortego, Eastern Samar State University, Borongan City 6800, Eastern Samar, Philippines
• Sharon Singzon, Eastern Samar State University, Borongan City 6800, Eastern Samar, Philippines
• Agapita Salces, Animal Breeding Division, Institute of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031, Laguna, Philippines
• Takahiro Yamagata, Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Abstract

Profit maximization is not the only production objective in farming. For smallholder farms worldwide, family sustenance often takes priority, with production being viewed more as savings-oriented than market-oriented. Furthermore, market pressures can lead to the mismanagement of indigenous livestock resources, increasing their risk of genetic erosion. To ensure the long-term conservation of the Philippine native pig, this study aimed to determine the various types of native pig farmers and define the intervention strategies for each type. A total of 432 native pig farmers representing seven provinces in the Philippines (Benguet, Kalinga, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Marinduque, and Eastern Samar; n = 52 – 76) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that covered sociodemographic information, production objectives, herd-level data, breed choice and trait preferences, market preferences for specific traits, breeding and selection practices, production and management practices, and challenges encountered. The data obtained was then used to make specific recommendations for each type of farmer to meet their production objective and ensure the long-term genetic conservation of the native pig. Three farmer types were identified, each requiring unique interventions to increase farm productivity. These were: (i) the ‘income-driven’ farmer (Type 3) (n = 58), (ii) the farmer in a ‘classic mixed farm’ who raises native pigs for supplemental income (Type 2) (n = 217), and (iii) the ‘productoriented’ farmer (Type 1) who traditionally produces niche products as part of their regular diet (n = 119). Based on farmer trait preference, it is therefore recommended to increase the growth and reproduction traits of the native pig to maintain its relevance to smallholder livestock farmers and ensure its long-term genetic conservation. Breed development strategies may include crossbreeding or participatory breeding approach, depending on the farmer type.

Recommended Citation

Banayo, Joy; Manese, Kathlyn Louise; Furusho, Kaito; Kingan, Madeline; Ayomen, Justine; Saliw-an, Marcelino; Nicolas, Karina Marie; Petipit, Kayvin Joel; Pagbilao, Dorothy; Arellano, Vea Roven; Santiago, Rene; Caguicla, Flomella; Monleon, Arnolfo; Perlas, Giselle; Perlas, Giselle; Ortego, Rea Palma; Singzon, Sharon; Salces, Agapita; and Yamagata, Takahiro (2024) "Production Objectives and Trait Preferences of Smallholder Farmers in the Philippines: Implications for Designing Breeding Schemes Utilizing Indigenous Swine Genetics," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 107: No. 4, Article 10.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol107/iss4/10