The KSU YOOKAH research project received a significant boost as a team from the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, visited the university today, March 5, 2025. The PCC team conducted a meeting with the YOOKAH project proponents, led by Project Leader Ms. Sharmaine Codiam, to discuss collaborative efforts in advancing research on the genetic traits of native pigs.
During the meeting, the PCC researchers presented their completed study on the Development of Real-time Ultrasound Scanning and DNA Marker Selection Protocols for Meat, Carcass, and Fertility Traits of the Philippine Native Pig. This research focuses on key genetic factors influencing farrowing, weaning, meat quality, and gene markers essential for evaluating native pig characteristics. Specifically, it examines gene markers such as: Heart Fatty Acid Binding Protein Gene (HFABP) Haplotype, Halothane Gene (HAL), α1-Fucosyltransferase (FUT1) and Insulin Growth Factor Gene 2 Intron 3 (IGF2i3).These markers play a critical role in determining meat quality and growth rate, providing valuable insights for improving native pig production.
Following the discussion on their completed research, the PCC team introduced their ongoing project on Genetic Structure Analysis and the Development of Genetic Screening Protocols for Traceability of Philippine Native Pigs. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the YOOKAH project, and both teams are set to formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Once in place, this partnership is expected to enhance YOOKAH’s research scope and boost its market potential, with the supervision of the Vice President for Research, Development and Extension, Dr. Lope T. Buen and the Research Director, Ms. Brenda Lumines.
In an interview, Sherwin Matias from the PCC team expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting that their team will conduct free training sessions on record-keeping systems and genetic analysis for the YOOKAH proponents until the project is well-established. As part of the partnership, KSU YOOKAH will provide native pig samples for genetic analysis by the PCC team. The resulting genetic data will be instrumental in refining KSU’s breeding and production strategies for native pigs.
The key PCC researchers involved in the project include Dr. Jesus Rommel Herrera (Project Leader), Dr. Esther Flores (Scientist I), Sherwin Matias, Alexander Paraguas, and Millen Angeline Garcia. Meanwhile, the KSU YOOKAH project is led by Ms. Sharmaine Codiam, Ms. Christine Liggayo, and Dr. Stephen Ballog.
This collaborative initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing the scientific foundation of native pig breeding and production in the Philippines, reinforcing KSU’s commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainable livestock development.
