SIART/MALD’s pig breeding program advances with hormonal feeding completed and oestrus synchronisation underway in selected animals.
The SIART/MALD Pig Breed Improvement Program is progressing as planned with its 15-day hormonal feeding program successfully completed on 11 September 2026.
The program is a collaborative initiative aimed at improving the reproductive performance, productivity and genetic quality of pigs in the country.
It introduces improved breeding and reproductive management practices, including oestrus synchronisation, artificial insemination (AI), animal identification and reproductive record-keeping.
The initiative also looks to strengthen the technical capacity of local livestock officers and farmers in modern pig breeding and management.
As part of the current breeding program, selected breeding animals successfully completed the 15-day hormonal feeding program on 11 September.
The program is designed to support reproductive management and prepare selected breeding animals for the next stages of the breeding process.
Following completion of the hormonal feeding program, the livestock team began subcutaneous oestrus booster injections on 12 September 2026 to support and synchronize oestrus in selected breeding animals.
Animal identification and numbering, together with reproductive record-keeping, are continuing to ensure correct monitoring of breeding activities and reproductive performance.
The program is receiving valuable technical support from Dr Rob, an Australian volunteer veterinarian, who is providing practical veterinary advice, mentoring and hands-on technical assistance to the MALD Livestock and Veterinary Services team. His support is helping strengthen local capacity in assisted reproduction, AI, animal identification and genetic improvement.
Imported semen from Australia is expected from 16 September 2026, subject to relevant biosecurity, veterinary and logistical requirements.
The introduction of improved genetic material is expected to further support the program’s goal of producing more productive and genetically improved pigs.
The SIART/MALD Pig Breed Improvement Program represents an important step towards building a more productive, sustainable and resilient pig industry in Solomon Islands.
MALD PRESS RELEASE
