Every great journey starts with a simple idea. In this post, we share the heartwarming story of how Vision Agribusiness Farm Ltd was born—driven by a desire to transform pig farming in Rwanda. Join us as we reflect on our roots, the challenges we overcame, and the innovations that keep us moving forward. Watch the full story on YouTube to see how we’ve grown, thanks to your support!
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Watch this video as we address all the inquiries our followers have raised about modern pig farming practices, artificial insemination, and more. Stay informed and get the latest updates from Vision Agribusiness Farm Ltd.
At Vision Agribusiness Farm Ltd, we take pride in using advanced artificial insemination (AI) techniques to provide high-quality pig breeds to our customers. AI has revolutionized the swine industry, enabling the controlled improvement of genetic quality, higher reproduction efficiency, and a significant reduction in disease transmission.
This article will walk you through the entire process, focusing on the critical steps from semen collection to semen injection into the sow, with a special emphasis on semen quality testing.
The first step in artificial insemination is collecting semen from the boar. At Vision Agribusiness Farm Ltd, we use specialized equipment to ensure a safe and hygienic collection process.
We start by using either an boar dummy or an electro-ejaculation technique, depending on the boar and the farm’s needs. The collection area is sanitized to prevent contamination of the semen sample. The semen is carefully collected into sterile containers that will later be used for testing and storage.
Once the semen is collected, it is immediately taken to the laboratory for quality testing. This is a crucial step to ensure that the semen is viable and capable of fertilizing the sow. The testing focuses on three key parameters:
We use a microscope to assess the semen’s quality. A small sample is placed on a glass slide, and we look for healthy, active sperm cells. We monitor their movement and note any irregularities that could impact fertility.
Semen Testing Process Under the Microscope:
After testing, the semen is diluted using a special extender solution that helps maintain the sperm’s viability during storage. We store the semen in sterile, temperature-controlled containers, ensuring it remains viable until it’s ready for insemination.
When the sow is ready for insemination, the semen is thawed and prepared for injection. The process of insemination is done with utmost care to ensure successful fertilization:
To guarantee successful fertilization, we closely monitor the sow’s response post-insemination. We look for signs of estrus (heat) and carefully track any changes in behavior that may indicate pregnancy.
At Vision Agribusiness Farm Ltd, our commitment to quality in the AI process—from semen collection to fertilization—is key to providing our customers with superior pig breeds. We ensure that every step of the process is carried out with precision, testing each sample to guarantee optimal semen quality and increase the chances of successful fertilization.
Artificial insemination is not just about advancing technology; it’s about creating value for our customers and improving the overall efficiency of pig breeding in Rwanda.
The development of pig farming in Rwanda has seen significant progress through innovative practices such as cross-breeding. This approach has revolutionized the swine industry in the country, enhancing pig breeds for better productivity and disease resistance. My visit to an agricultural exhibition in Mozambique, where I also had the privilege of meeting President Filipe Nyusi , provided valuable insights into these advancements.
One key takeaway from the exhibition in Mozambique was the emphasis on selective breeding. By strategically cross-breeding pig breeds with desirable traits, Rwandan farmers have achieved improved meat quality, higher growth rates, and increased litter sizes. This approach not only ensures better food production but also supports local livelihoods.
Another noteworthy concept from the exhibition was the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Farmers in Mozambique showcased their commitment to eco-friendly pig farming methods, which align perfectly with Rwanda’s dedication to environmental conservation. These lessons in sustainability and responsible animal husbandry have been embraced by Rwandan farmers, contributing to the long-term viability of the industry.
Furthermore, the exhibition underscored the importance of collaboration between governments and local farmers. President Nyusi’s presence highlighted the commitment of Mozambique’s leadership to supporting the agricultural sector. This collaborative spirit has also been witnessed in Rwanda, where the government actively engages with farmers to provide training, access to resources, and market opportunities.
The development of pig farming in Rwanda through cross-breeding and the adoption of sustainable practices is a testament to the agricultural innovation that drives progress in Africa. These lessons from Mozambique, combined with Rwanda’s proactive approach, are transforming pig farming into a cornerstone of food security and economic growth in the region.
Day 2 in the 16th AGRISHOW 2023
The vision Agribusiness Farm ltd is honored to announce 16th National agriculture show to be held from 20th to 29th July 2023 at Mulindi / Gasabo Show Ground
The second day in 16th AGRISHOW was the exhibition day. The day on which the different people with different ideas come to visit our stand for clarification. Some with questions others with inadequate understandings about pig farming. As we did yesterday, we are also going answer the questions that were asked by the visitors.
Let’s first show you the most frequent questions:
Let’s go for the answers now as we have now seen the most common questions:
I. LANDRACE.
The Landrace breed is important for the production of quality bacon pigs. It is smaller than the Large White, but has much larger hams. It has large floppy ears that fall over its eyes.
As well Landrace are known for their length of body, high percentage of carcass weight in the ham and loin, and ideal amount of finish. Landrace are prolific sows that farrow large pigs and which are exceptionally heavy milkers.
With high fertility rates the South African Landrace pig breed can produce these days easily up to 18 – 21 piglets born alive, per litter. The South African Landrace sows are renowned for their femininity, docility, milkability and mothering ability.
II. LARGE WHITE.
The Large White is a rugged and hardy breed that can withstand a wide range of climatic conditions. They are commonly used in crossbreeding or hybrid programs, with the most popular cross being Large White and Landrace. This cross is often used as the maternal line in commercial herds.
III. PIETRAIN.
Pietrain pigs can provide not only a manageable ownership proposition, but also an excellent source of top-quality pork. The Pietrain, at 83%, produces carcasses with the highest meat content of any pig.
Pietrain boars offer pig producers an excellent option for maximizing efficient lean meat production, particularly with commercial halothane-free lines available. In many markets there is a demand for lean pork, and, as such, the Pietrain is used as terminal sire in commercial breeding programs.
Litter size is generous, too, with up to 13 piglets being common from a healthy young sow. What’s more, the youngsters are robust little creatures and, once out, will grow and develop strongly and typically without drama.
IV. DUROC.
Duroc pork boasts superior marbling and increased intramuscular fat to lend itself to a naturally juicer more tender product. Serve incredible tasting pork at your dinner table! It’s versatility and superior flavor makes this pork breed an everyday household staple.
Duroc pigs are one of the better breeds for farming. Their temperament, large litter size, and rapid growth will always benefit farmers. As for meat quality, their abundance of well-marbled meat will always have a place at the market
The Duroc is a large-framed, late-maturing type, excellent for heavy-carcasses production. The forequarters, particularly the head and neck, are light and it has small lop ears. The skin is a solid reddish color, varying from gold to a deep, brick red. They have a medium length and slight dish of the face.
While most pigs have litters of about 5 to 10 piglets, Duroc sows can often produce large litters of 10 to 15 piglets.
V. CAMBOROUGH.
The Camborough is bred to maximize the pounds of weaned pigs per year with excellent feed efficiency. In addition, the Camborough can typically be bred three weeks earlier than sows with other genetics, resulting in a higher total number of piglets per sow per lifetime and lower production costs.
Camborough pigs are praised for their excellent meat quality that is to say; not too much fat, better resistance to parasites, higher growth rate, better mothering ability and high average litter size of 14 piglets.
Day 1 in 16th Agrishow 2023
The vision Agribusiness Farm ltd is honored to announce 16th National agriculture show to be held from 20th to 29th july 2023 at Mulindi / Gasabo Show Ground
The first day in 16th Agrishow was the launching day. The day on which the minister of Finance in Rwanda NDAGIJIMANA Uzziel together with another minister from Zimbabwe where they took a tour around different stands randomly.
On our stand we have received many people that have got a chance to ask their challenging questions that we are also glad to share with you and provide respective answers for each.
Let’s go for the answers now as we have now seen the most common questions:
Vison Agribusiness Farm is honored to announce 16th National agriculture show to be held from 20th to 29th July 2023 at Mulindi / Gasabo Show Ground
VAF emphases on offering professional training to youth who should be recruited as farm workers or farmer managers, we train also entrepreneurs who intend to invest in agribusiness and help them to study projects. we have a experienced team shaping every who need to improve skills in agriculture ,project management, monitoring and evaluation of projects.
Recent Comments