PDRC Project 1 Team visits key AI and genetics facility in Australia

In the photo are (from L to R): Dr. Errol Jay Y. Balagan, CLSU; Mr. Rainie Rich Chucky S. Yambao, UPLB; Dr. Shirley S. Villanueva, USEP; Ms. Karla Joy S. Ty, UPLB; Mr. Anthony Shelly, Genetics Australia Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Amado A. Angeles, UPLB DTRI Director; Mr. Peter Thurn Genetics Australia Breeding, Genetics and Production Manager; Mr. Rob Derksen Genetics Australia Export Manager; and Dr. Juan S. Daquioag II, CSU. (Photo courtesy of Rob Derksen of Genetics Australia)

Six representatives from the Philippine Dairy Research Consortium (PDRC) Dairy Enhancement Program under Project 1 Application and Improvement of Embryo Transfer (ET) and Artificial Insemination (AI) Technologies as Tools Toward Achieving the Desired Number of Genetically Superior Breeder Dairy Cattle visited key facilities in Victoria, Australia last November 10-15, including the artificial insemination (AI) laboratory and stud farm at the head office of Genetics Australia; AgriBio Centre at La Trobe University; and Dairy Australia Southbank.

During the visit, the team learned the basics of rectal palpation from Mr. Brad Pickford at his training center and farm in Byuduk, Victoria. Mr. Pickford developed the Breed’n Betsy model (see image below), an artificial cow simulator device, which is a valuable aid for hands-on training on AI and embryo transer (ET).

Mr. Pickford using the Breed'n Betsy model he developed for large ruminant palpation training.
Training- rectal palpation in live animals.
DTRI reps palpating the reproductive tract of dairy cows at the training farm.

The team also participated in a lecture and demonstration at the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory of Dr. Richard Fry at Speedbreed Donor Centre in Gnarawarre, Victoria.

The activity was conducted under Project 1 headed by Dr. Amado A. Angeles of UPLB-DTRI, and is a part of the PDRC Dairy Enhancement Program funded by the Department of Science and Technology through one of its agencies, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).