MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF SWINE AT ALDE FARM

IN SITIO SOGOD, BARANGAY DISTRICT 4,

BABATNGON, LEYTE

A Field Practice Report

Presented to
The Faculty of the
College of Agriculture and Food Science
Visayas State University
Visca, Baybay City, Leyte

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree of
BACHELOR OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

AIZA DACUL DAGUMAY

SEPTEMBER 2021
 RESEARCH APPROVAL SHEET

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF SWINE AT ALDE FARM IN SITIO SOGOD, BARANGAY

DISTRICT 4, BABATNGON, LEYTE
Title of thesis/special problem/apprenticeship report/engineering project report/case study

Proposal / Outline Manuscript

NAME OF STUDENT : AIZA DACUL DAGUMAY

Degree Program : BACHELOR OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

APPROVED : RONEL B. GEROMO Adviser ____________________

Date Signed

REVIEWED : Student Research Committee:

N/A Chairperson
Date Signed

N/A Member
Date Signed

N/A Member
Date Signed

APPROVED: MANUEL D. GACUTAN, JR. Department Head

Date Signed

VICTOR B. ASIO College Dean

Date Signed

Note: If there is a co-adviser, add the name as another r

 TRANSMITTAL

The undergraduate thesis/special problem/apprenticeship report/engineering project

report/case study attached hereto entitled, MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF SWINE AT
ALDE FARM IN SITIO SOGOD, BARANGAY DISTRICT 4, BABATNGON, LEYTE
prepared and submitted by, AIZA DACUL DAGUMAY in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Animal Science is hereby accepted.

RONEL B. GEROMO ________N/A________

Adviser Co-Adviser1

____________ __________
Date Date

Student Research Committee:

________ N/A____________ _______ N/A__________ _______ N/A_________

Chairman Member Member

____________ ___________ ___________

Date Date Date

Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Animal
Science.

MANUEL D. GACUTAN JR.

Head
Department of Animal Science

____________
Date

VICTOR B. ASIO
Dean
College of Agriculture and Food Science

____________
Date

Note:
(1) Add a row next to the Adviser if there is a Co-se
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to give thanks to our Almighty God for the knowledge and

assistance in making this research possible. This could not be done without His

guidance. I am very grateful to God for all the blessings, guidance, wisdom, help and

strength to keep me going.

To my academic adviser, Mr. Ronel B. Geromo, thank you so much sir for

your guidance and patience from the start until the end of this field practice report.

And for all the advices and words of encouragement you shared to me for the whole

time of this report, thank you so much again sir, I learned a lot from you.

To my very supportive parents, thank you so much Nanay and Tatay for your

infinite support, unending love and guidance to help in finishing my studies. You are

my strength and inspiration.

To my sisters Ivy, Aila, Aizy and Annalyn, thank you so much for inspiring,

and supporting my studies. Thank you for helping me in doing this research.

To Dr. Manuel D. Gacutan, Department Head of Animal Science, thank you

so much for your guidance and approval. Thank you for giving me a chance to finish

my research on time. Your valuable ideas and expertise that you shared during this

research helps me a lot.

To Mr. Nicomedes Alde and Mrs Meahlyn Padayao-Alde, thank you for

spending your time and giving me an opportunity to use your farm and to gather data

needed for my research. Thank you for your generosity. It helps me a lot on doing my

research. Thank you so much sir and ma’am, this research is nothing without your

assistance.

v
 To all the Alde Farm personal, thank you so much for accepting and assisting

during our visitation on your farm.

To my classmates and dorm mates who help me especially this pandemic until

I fully accomplished my field practice report, Ms. Alma B. Cabral, Ms. Jezzile Tano,

Ms. Briget Magdoza, Ms. Ivy Dagumay, Ms. Ivy Cabral, Ms. Jessa Suello and Ms.

Shiela Bacason. Thank you for your assistance, advices and sharing your precious

moment with me.

AIZA D. DAGUMAY
Author

he Adviser

vi
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
Title Page i
Approval Sheet ii
Transmittal iii
Acknowledgment iv
Table of Contents vi
List of Tables ix
List of Figures x
List of Plates xi
List of Appendices xiii

I. INTRODUCTION 1
Nature and Importance of the Field Practice 1
Objectives of the Field Practice 3
Time and Place of the Field Practice 3

II. METHODOLOGY 4

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 6

A. Description of the Farm 6

Farm History and Present Status 6
Farm Location and Layout 8
Human Resources 12
Physical Resources 15
Financial Resources 28
Farm Policies 28

B. Acquisition of Managerial Skills 29

C. Acquisition of Manipulative Skills 30

D. Learning and Insights on the Management Practices of 30

Swine Raising

Feeding Management 31
Health Management 32
Vaccination 32
Needle Teeth clipping 33
Tail docking 33
Castration 34
Biosecurity Measures 36
Cleaning 36
Disinfection 37

vii
 Record Keeping 37
E. Identification of Problems 37

IV. GENERAL ASSESSMENT, COMMENTS AND

39
RECOMMENDATIONS

V. LITERATURE CITED 41

viii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

1 Timeline of activities accomplished at Alde Farm 5

2 Animal Inventory of Alde farm from August 2018 8

to May 2021
3 Feeding program of Pigs at Varying Ages 31

ix
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page

1 Map showing direction from Tacloban City to Babatngon, 9

Leyte
2 Map showing the location of Alde farm in Sitio Sogod, 10
Brgy. District 4, Babatngon, Leyte
3 Farm Layout of Alde farm in Sitio Sogod, Brgy. District 11
4, Babatngon, Leyte
4 Organizational Structure of Alde farm in Sitio Sogod, 14
Brgy. District 4, Babatngon, Leyte

x
 LIST OF PLATES

Plate Tittle Page

1 Breeding area 16
2 Farrowing area 17
3 Fattening area and Weanling Area 17
4 Administrative building 18
5 Guesthouse 19
6 Dormitory 20
7 Medical cabinet 21
8 Tricycle of the farm 21
9 Water tank 22
10 Wheel vat 23
11 Foot vat 24
12 Plastic syringe 24
13 Disinfectant 26
14 Surgical gloves 26
15 Feed bodega 27
16 Knapsack sprayer 27
17 Vaccination 33
18 Needle teeth clipping 34
19 Tail docking 35
20 Castration of piglets 35

xi
 1

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF SWINE AT ALDE FARM

IN SITIO SOGOD, BARANGAY DISTRICT 4,
BABATNGON, LEYTE

A field practice report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for

graduation for the degree of Bachelor of Animal Science from the Visayas State
University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte. Contribution No. ____. Prepared in the
Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science (DAS-
CAFS) under the direction of Mr. Ronel B. Geromo, M.Sc.

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Nature and Importance of the Field Practice

Hog raising is a very popular enterprise in the Philippines such that there is a

proliferation of backyard producers, which dominates the swine industry and a

healthy viable commercial sector. Despite the swine industry crises, many people are

still venturing into this enterprise (Marites et al., 2008). A few factors that might

credit to the steadily developing prominence and interest in pig raising; pigs are

productive, the demand for pork is high; henceforth it is considered as perhaps the

most favorite meat of most Filipinos, it is additionally embraced to diversified

farming, pork, in contrast to other meat, can be processed like ham (Foreign, 1999).

However, in 2020 the Philippine pork production was greatly affected by

African Swine Fever, resulting in a decrease in the total volume of hog production (-

6.7% lower than the 2019 output). The average farm gate price for slaughter pigs was

also 2.9% higher than the average price for the year in 2019, and the annual average

retail price of lean pork in 2020 was 4.3% higher from 2019. Furthermore, the supply
 2

of live hogs presents a 10.9% decrease in regards to the previous year. From 2020 to

2021, the country’s swine inventory has decreased by 24% (PSA, 2019).

This field study focuses on various swine management and practices that are

very important to fast and safe livestock production. A farm must have complete

facilities and equipment not only for hog production but also for strict implementation

of disease control within the vicinity. Alde Farm has provided facilities and

equipment such as a farrowing house, finishing barns, breeding barns, etc., for the

numerous farm operations. This is to ensure the safety of the farmer, technician,

owner, and consumer.

Field Practice provides the students with experience in overall operations and

activity on the farm. It allows the student to gain knowledge and skills useful for their

field-related career in the future. It also helped promote worthy values and develop

solid moral characteristics towards the people on the farm. The student can also obtain

and apply all the theoretical knowledge learned from the university by participating in

the overall operation; and having practical experience on the farm. Field Practice also

develops the students’ ability to comply with a scheduled task by following the

instructions and perform duties and responsibilities. However, due to the COVID-19

pandemic and African Swine Fever, the country faces several losses in terms of

economic aspect that lead to worsen the situation of the country. In connection with

this, the government created and implemented laws, policies, regulations, and health

protocols by lessening the impact of these viruses to the whole economy, to human

and animals. Thus, field practice students are no longer require having actual farm on-

the-job training but only limited to farm practices assessment through observations

and formal/informal interviews.

 3

Objectives of the Field Practice

The Field Practice aimed to:

1. Gain insights into practical pig farming through thorough observations

and evaluations conducted during farm visitation.

2. Observe and document the various routine procedures in pig farming.

3. Compare theoretical learning with practices and real-world resources

applied to the operation.

4. Assess the operational problems and suggest some possible

recommendations.

Time and Place of the Field Practice

The field practitioner visited the Alde Farm in April - May 2021, in Sitio

Sogod, Brgy. District 4, Babatngon, Leyte, to assess and observe their farm practices

and management in swine.

 4

CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

Before the actual farm visitation, the field practitioner searched and chooses

the farm where she wants to carry out the study. The intern attended a meeting zoom

(via google meet) organized by the field practice adviser. This served as an orientation

and assembly for the field practitioners wherein the data that the students must gather

was fully emphasized.

The student practitioner contacted the farm to inquire the requirements to be

able to conduct visitation. Fortunate, that the owner granted the request for visitation

on the farm without any requirements. The visit served as an orientation, discussions

of the rules and regulations of the farm and actual observation of various farm

operations, management practices and technique.

Upon arrival at the farm, one of the administrative staff welcomed the student

warmly and assisted them to the different areas of the farm. One of the staff was

assigned to discuss the rules, policies, and other information regarding the farm

operations and the overall activity within the farm. The students noted and recorded

the topics discussed by the farm staff. After the tour, with the help of their secretary,

Mrs. Alde (owner of the farm) handed the data needed by the students for their

respective research studies. The practitioner revisited Alde farm for gathering

additional information about the farm management and practices.

After the farm visit at Alde farm, the student academic adviser scheduled an

orientation via google meet and discussed the proper way of writing the manuscript.

The data gathered from the farm owner served as secondary sources and served as
 5

support when there were data gaps. Moreover, the information gathered from further

readings and internet also supplemented the data gathered. Table 1 presents the

activities that have been discussed by the farm owner with the student.

Table 1. Timeline of activities accomplished at Alde Farm

DATE FARM
TASK/ACTIVITIES
(2021) AREAS/SECTION
April 8 Receiving Area • Arrival at Alde Farm
• Orientation (rules and regulation)
April 9 Farm • Farm tour
Compound - Breeding area
- Fattening area
- Farrowing and Weanling area
- Administrative building
- Guest house
- Dormitory
- Feed bodega
April 10 – 17 Breeding • Cleaning the gestating pens
Section • Feeding the pigs
• Transferring the sow to the farrowing
section one week after parturition
April 18 – 25 Farrowing • Assisting of suckling and farrowing
section sow
• Giving iron and vitamins
• Cleaning inside the farrowing house
• Castration
April 26- May 3 Weanling
• Feeding the newly weaned piglets
section • Cleaning the area
May 4– 11 Fattening • Feeding the pigs
section • Cleaning the area

May 12 Farm • Documentation of farm facilities and

Compound equipment’s
 6

CHAPTER III

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A. Description of the Farm

Farm History and Present Status

Alde Farm was established in August 2018 and had a total land area of 6

hectares located in Sitio Sogod, Brgy. District 4, Babatngon, Leyte. The farm is

owned by Mr. Nicomedes C. Alde and Mrs. Meahlyn Padayao-Alde. The farm is a

Technical Vocational School, and Services Inc. accredited to TESDA and has

provided training to farmers; hence it is called farm school.

The farm started through the motivation of the owner’s late grandfather with

his vision to develop their farm into a viable enterprise. At first, Mr. Nicomedes C.

Alde invested in a 100-sow level piggery with the financial support of his elder sister,

Brigida Alde-McWherter. Mr. Alde was an alumnus of Visayas State University and

graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science. As an Animal Science

graduate, he applies the theories he learned in school to his piggery business. He is a

farmer by heart and was inspired to help his fellow swine farmers. Armed with the

desire to alleviate the livelihood of his fellow Babatngonanons, he ventured into

politics and became a barangay chairman and ABC president in his locality. As a

public servant, he became aware of the need of the farmers to develop additional

knowledge and skills to sustain their livelihood. He observed that an effective way to

support the government in helping the people to develop agricultural skills is to put up

a learning site on his piggery farm. He organized several local folks and encouraged

them to formally establish a farmers group called Sitio Sogod Farmers Association
 7

(SISOFA). Eventually, with the help of ATI-RTC8 and the Office of the Provincial

Agriculturist thru the Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, a learning site

and school for practical agriculture was established on his farm. In 2018, the TESDA

Leyte Provincial Director Loreta D. Banario saw the potential of Alde Farm to

become a TESDA-Accredited farm school. Alde Farm was given 25 scholarship slots

on Animal Production (Swine) NC II. Four (4) more courses were added, including

FFS-Production of High–quality Inbred Rice, Seed Production and Farm

Mechanization, Rice Machinery Operations NC II, Organic Agriculture Production

NC II, and Animal Production (Poultry-chicken) NC II.

With the help of his wife, Meahlyn Padayao-Alde, Mr. Alde is currently

building facilities in his 6-hectares farmland to aid farm students and fellow farmers.

It is his goal to help people develop more agricultural skills, especially in this

pandemic. The farm's present status has decreased due to various aspects affecting the

operation. Instead of increasing their income, it falls because of the virus came from

another country (ASF); they sell their pigs not to be affected by the virus.

Alde farm takes the first step as a control measure of coronavirus by reducing

the number of pigs by selling to the local market. This situation affects the operation

of the farm as a whole. So, the farm continues to stand, strive, and provide training

and share knowledge to students and farmers who are willing and interested in this

field. The table below shows the number of remaining pigs intended for training from

August 2018 to May 2021.

 8

Table 2. Animal Inventory of Alde Farm from August 2018 to May 2021
DATE AND YEAR TOTAL NUMBER OF ANIMALS
August 2018 – December 2018 100 heads
December 2018 – April 2019 151 heads
April 2019 – August 2019 250 heads
August 2019 – December 2019 340 heads
December 2019 – April 2020 430 heads
April 2020 – August 2020 535 heads
August 2020 – December 2020 332 heads
December 2020 – March 2021 64 heads
March 2021 – May 2021 28 heads

Farm Layout and Location

The Alde farm is located in Sitio Sogod, Brgy. District 4, Babatngon Leyte. It

is 27-km:29 min. travel from Tacloban City, the provincial capital of Leyte (Figure 1).

The farm's exact location can be accessed through any land vehicle (e.g., motorcycle,

tricycle, and car). It is 1.4 km away from the town of Babatngon and 200 meters away

from Tacloban-Babatngon national road (Figure 2). The farm has a total land area of 6

hectares, and out of this, 2 hectares occupied for the swine where various facilities

and equipment necessary for swine production are situated (Figure 3).
 9

Source: https://maps.google.com

Figure 1. Map showing direction from Tacloban City to Babatngon, Leyte

9
 10

Source: https://maps.google.com

Figure 2. Map showing the location of Alde Farm in Sitio Sogod, Brgy. District 4, Babatngon, Leyte

10
 11

N
24 25
E W
11
S
2
23 19
21 20
22

3
9
18 17
8
10
7
4
11

6
12 13
16
14
15

Legend:
1. Guest House 13. Duckling Area
2. Holding Area 14. Fishpond 1
3. Farm School Office 15. Fishpond 2
4. Dormitories 16. Adult Ducks Area
5. Farm House Kitchen 17. Caretaker Quarters
6. Farm House 18. Seedlings Nursery Area
7. Swine Farrowing Area 19. Poultry Building (layer)
8. Swine Weanlings Area 20. Turkey’s Area
9. Swine Fattening Area 21. Free Range Chicken
10. Swine Breeding Area 22. Vermi Culture Area
11. Administrative building 23. Goat House Building
12. Kubo 24. RMD Garage
25. Rice Mill (proposed)

Figure 3. Farm Layout of Alde farm in Sitio Sogod, Brgy. District 4, Babatngon
Leyte
 12

Human Resources

Successful farm production and productivity depend on the people who

command and handle a specific operation. These people do not only respond to sole

operation themselves, but also, they think for better and productivity for the farm.

These people give their time, effort, and salary are always on their minds, but they are

dedicated to their job. The main secret to success is that the workers must have

willingness, knowledge, compassion, and vision to make the farm productive. Alde

farm has several working individuals that are instrumental in its effective production

and management. Figure 4 shows the organizational structure of the farm.

Farm Owner. Mr. Nicomedes Alde and Mrs. Meahlyn Padayao-Alde are

responsible for supervising all the operations and providing financial assistance. They

made all the operations well organized and orientated to commit to the vision and

mission of the farm.

Farm Manager. Mr. Edwardo P. Argon, responsible for budgeting and

maintaining accurate financial records, organizing the sales and purchases of

livestock, farm equipment, crops, and other agricultural products.

Farm Animal Supervisor. Mr. Edwardo P. Argon, responsible for checking

animals' health status, assures good performance, and guarantees disease-free on the

farm. His great responsibility is to provide proper health care to the animals on the

farm.

Training officer. Ms. Emerita Montan͂o, Mr. Nilo Lasada and Ms. Paula Placa

are responsible for developing training materials for the farmers. Also, they are

conducting training sessions for the beneficiaries, the target farmers are responsible
 13

for evaluating the knowledge and skills of the farmers who receive training to make

sure that the training approach is inaccurate.

Farm technician. Mr. Roberto Dela Cruz and Mr. Rex Fuentes are responsible

for taking care of the animal, organizing the feeding, giving water and vitamin

supplementation, maintaining health status,

Processing officer. Mrs. Meahlyn Padayo-Alde and Ms. Sheryl Mae Espeho

supervise other employees in the processing area and monitor product quality at plants

that turn raw materials, including vegetables and grains, into products.

Farm Encoder. Mr. Kenneth Boyna and Ednalyn Gagabu-an are responsible

for entering accurate data and organizing documents of the farm. They make sure that

the files are appropriately prepared and saved to backup drives.

 14

NICOMEDES ALDE
MEAHLYN PADAYAO-ALDE
Farm Owner

EDWARDO P. AGRON
Farm Manager

EDWARDO P. AGRON KENNETH BOYNA

Farm Animal Supervisor Farm Encoder 1

EDNALYN GAGABUAN
Farm Encoder 2

ROBERTO DELA CRUZ EMERITA MONTAN͂O

Farm Technician 1 Training Officer 1

REX FUENTES NILO LASADA

Farm Technician 2 Training Officer 2

PAULA PLACA
Training Officer 3

MEAHLYN PADAYAO-ALDE SHERYL MAE ESPEHO

Processing Officer 1 Processing Officer 2

Figure 4. Organizational Structure of Alde Farm in Sitio Sogod, Brgy. District 4,

Babatngon Leyte
 15

Physical Resources
Every business need resources, such as human, money, suppliers, and time.

The physical resource includes tangible items that are necessary and available for a

business to function. These item takes space, have value, and are used in business

operations such as buildings, raw materials, facilities, machinery, and supplies (Tara,

2016). A farm must have these resources because this drives the business, increases

profitability, manages at appropriate scale and precision, and most especially operates

the farm business within limits or compliance.

Alde Farm has various facilities and equipment, including the housing of the

animals. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, the management of the farm is

stringent. They implement not to let the visitors enter the swine buildings within 15

meters’ radius to adhere to biosecurity, resulting in limited documentation and

information gathered by the student to the different facilities and equipment inside the

housing.

Breeding Area. Alde Farm has a breeding section that serves to mate selective

animals to increase the possibility of obtaining desired traits in the offspring. Dry

sows, boars, gestating, and breeding sows are housed in this area. This unit is a

monitor type, constructed with concrete floors and pillars, wood trusses and GI sheets

roof, and has open sides. The design of the building was intended to facilitate

adequate natural ventilation in the area—it has 40x20 meters dimension (Plate 1).

Farm processes like artificial insemination, heat detection, and semen collection were

conducted in breeding section.

 16

Plate 1. Breeding area

Farrowing Area. This building is constructed with concrete floor and

foundation, a monitor type GI sheet-roof, wood trusses and welded metal pipes for

stalls. The area serves the parturition stages of the sow. It has 20 farrowing crates

which accommodates pregnant sows, suckling and lactating sows (Plate 2). Each stall

was equipped with nipple type waterers and feeding troughs for pigs.

Fattening and Weanling Area. In Alde farm, fattening and weanling area are

in the same building (Plate 3). Newly weaned piglets and pigs that are intended for

growing (market purposes) are placed in this section. This section has a monitor type

of roof made with GI sheets, a concrete flooring and partition walls made of iron

grills. This can accommodate 20 fattening and 35 weanling pigs. As of May 2021,

they only have 14 fattening pigs and 12 weanling pigs. Out of 14 fattening pigs, 6 of

this are used for training purposes and the remaining pigs are for sale. This building
 17

has a dimension of 40x20 meters, equipped with automatic nipple waterers and

feeding troughs.

Plate 2. Farrowing area

Plate 3. Fattening and Weanling area

 18

Other Physical Farm Facilities and Equipment

Administrative Building. Concrete flooring and foundation made up this

building, and the wall is made of woven split-bamboo mats or also known as

“amakan.” As of now, this building was under renovation (Plate 4). It has a dimension

of 25x20 meters. This is also designed to accommodate different services from the

farm, including organizing office operations and procedures, preparing payroll for the

employee, controlling correspondence, reviewing, and approving supply requisitions,

and assigning and monitoring clerical functions.

Plate 4. Administrative building

Guesthouse. A building used by the visitors for accommodation (Plate 5). It

was divided into two, and it has a dimension of 30x20 meters each. Each division has

3 rooms, and each room can accommodate up to 3 people. Inside the room has its own

comfort room, flat screen television, and wall fans. It was comfortable where they can

stay and relax while they have the training inside the farm. The student/practitioner
 19

also uses this during on-the-job training. This is located beside the receiving area near

the entrance of the farm.

Plate 5. Guesthouse

Dormitories. This is used by the farm personnel/staff for lodging (Plate 6),

especially when the staff is far from their home. This building is divided into two to

accommodate male and female personnel. Each room has a dimension of 18x20

meters rooms and has provided with beds, comfort room, television, stand and wall

fans.

Medical Cabinet. It is imperative on every farm; this is a great way to keep

essentials in a safe place. It serves as the storage for the kits used in medication,

syringes, gloves, vitamins, drugs, etc. (Plate 7). There are two medical cabinets in the

farm placed in the administrative building and receiving area. These help to respond

and treat animals immediately if the animals need medical attention.

 20

Plate 6. Dormitory

Tricycle. It is a three-wheeled vehicle (Plate 8). It helps transport different

materials needed in the farm (sprinkles, shovels, pickaxe, boots, fertilizer, etc.) it is

also used to delivered pigs and feeds in the storage building and sometimes used in

collecting garbage in each building.

 21

Plate 7. Medical cabinet

Plate 8. The tricycle of the farm

 22

Water Tank. Pigs require a supply of good quality water for the best growth

and production performance. Performance indications such as: mortality, feed intake,

growth rates, feed efficiency, and most critically, profitability may be affected by the

quality of water provided (Stull et al., 1999). There is a river nearby the farm which is

a source of water. The water flows to the tank (Plate 9), the main reservoir of the

water that supplies to the whole farm. This is used for drinking water, watering the

plants, bathing, and cleaning the area of farm animals. A pipe connected the tank

through the faucet established in every building to produce clean water.

Plate 9. Water tank

Foot and Wheel Vat. Every farm has biosecurity measures to forestall the

entry of diseases, which will cause the animals unproductivity and will cause losses to

the farm. Foot and wheel vats are one of the biosecurity measures applied in Alde

Farm. The wheel vat is located at the entrance of the farm. All vehicles entered the

farm passes to this wheel vat to disinfect the tire and avoid bringing disease to the
 23

farm. The water contains disinfectants that can kill disease-causing organisms (Plate

10), and the water is replaced twice a week.

On the other hand, 2x4 ft. size foot vats (Plate 11) are placed at every entrance

of animal housing. All farm personnel/visitor should dip their boots in the foot vat

before entering the farm. This is to protect the animals inside and wash off the

microorganisms that the personnel may carry from one section of the farm to the next.

Syringe. A medical device that is used to inject fluid into and withdraw fluid

from the body of the animals. At Alde farm, they use plastic syringes (Plate 12) to

administer medicine, vaccines, vitamins, and other forms of drugs. The syringe

consists of a needle that attach to a hallow cylinder fitted with a sliding plunger. The

movement of syringe was downward and upward. But because these device is a

disposable material, once used, they disposed it properly.

Plate 10. Wheel vat

 24

Plate 11. Foot vat

Plate 12. Plastic syringe

Disinfectant. A chemical substance that is used to kill harmful

microorganisms. In Alde farm, they use three disinfectants: Protect plus, Hallcid,
 25

Microban GT. These different chemicals are used in disinfecting the swine building.

This is rotationally used using a knapsack sprayer and it will have done by the

assigned person once a month. Protect plus and hypochlorite (chlorine) are usually

used simultaneously in disinfecting foot and wheel vats water. Hallcid and Microban

GT are used to disinfect the swine building especially on the floor and walls. An

antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of microorganisms like bacteria that can cause

odors and stain on the surface. It is also effective against African Swine Fever (ASF)

virus. In using these, it helps easier to clean the area. Having a rotational disinfectant

is vital to avoid microorganisms to build an immune response to the disinfectant

(Plate 13).

Surgical Gloves. Is used to cover hands during medical operations such as

assisting the sow in parturition. It is also used during handling, medication and

checking the animal’s health. It is important to use this protective equipment to help

prevent cross-contamination between handler and animals. These gloves are

disposable; so, after using they disposed it properly (Plate 14).

Feed Bodega. An important facility in the farm where the feeds are stored for

safekeeping. The feed bodega is located on the top of the building for fattening (Plate

15) and can accommodate up to 100 sacks of feeds. The feed storage has concrete

flooring, and it has a dimension of 40x20 meters. This facility is needed to be locked

after getting/putting feed inside to prevent entering rodents (rats) and stray animal (cat

and dogs). Also, it is necessary to be organized inside to follow the rule of the farm

“first come, first take” to avoid spoilage/losses of feeds.

Knapsack Sprayer. Cleaning plays an important role in decreasing the risks of

endemic disease outbreaks and is essential in removing organic and fecal matter. This
 26

farm has 3 pieces of knapsack sprayer (Plate 16) where it used in the farm operation.

The main purpose of this equipment is to clean and disinfect the building. This

disinfection is done once a week.

Plate 13. Disinfectant

Plate 14. Surgical gloves

 27

Plate 15. Feed bodega

Plate 16. Knapsack sprayer

 28

Financial Resources

Business is impossible to achieve goals without financial management.

Finance means managing money. It is needed for daily operations and for meeting

essential expenses and payments. Financial management includes planning, raising,

and administering funds used in the business. All expenses in the industry need to be

liquidated regularly to avoid losses.

This was established last 2018 with the assistance of the owner’s sister. In

addition, the owner finances the farm using their savings and through income from the

sale of other products (such as pigs, crops, eggs, etc.) to fund the farm. Since they are

an agricultural school, they have received additional income from different pieces of

training provided by TESDA and other organizations.

Farm Policies

Every business has made its policy as a guide for smooth operation. These

policies become the way towards the business. Progress carried out in conjunction

with the business rules and regulations. The business operation becomes systematic

when the employees know how to follow all the rules and regulations. Helping and

understanding each other is a way towards a successful operation of the business.

To commit a well-organized farm activity, Alde farm strictly implement

policies to ensure security and obtain high productivity. These policies are as follows:

1. No cellphones are allowed while on duty.

2. Punctuality of all workers is required.

3. Honestly is the best policy.

4. Drinking alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

 29

5. No smoking inside the farm premises.

6. Accomplishing the daily time record of all farmworkers is a must.

7. Biosecurity measures should be strictly followed.

8. Sleeping is not allowed while on duty.

B. Acquisition of Managerial Skills

Acquiring managerial skills is not easy to do. It refers to the abilities and

capabilities to perform managerial works in an organization. To be an excellent

manager, they need efficient communication and good relationships with people from

all fields. Managers have the ability to mobilize and motivate people. A set of

characteristics to achieve collective goals by defining and communicating tasks,

providing an appropriate working environment, and organizing the employees to their

tasks.

The student practitioner can acquire managerial skills in the actual

demonstration of the activities done by the expert or farm staff. Assisting and

observing the task undertaken helped the practitioner gain more knowledge and

information that will be used in managing farm operations for the farm development.

Due to an unexpected situation, the student practitioner has learned the various tasks

in the farm management and practices by gathering data and actual interviews with

the farm manager on how they showcase their managerial ability towards their

workers and how they market their product.

 30

C. Acquisition of Manipulative Skills

Manipulative skills are scientific activities in which the learners need to be

actively involved in a hands-on activity. Manipulative skills also referred to the

practical work which needs participation in all the activities on the farm.

Due to some circumstances, the student practitioner can acquire manipulative

skills through gathering data and interviewing the farm manager of Alde farm. The

farm has different activities that need to be carried out to develop manipulative skills.

These relevant skills include proper use of the syringe in drug administration, using a

knapsack sprayer to disinfect the housing, and using gloves and hand sanitizer to

assist the piglets made the student learn how these things are done correctly. These

were the manipulative skills that can improve the student’s proficiency in performing

the tasks.

D. Learning and Insights on the Management Practices of Swine Raising

Based on the interview with the farm manager for the swine production and

management, they practiced feeding and health management and biosecurity. The

farm is focused on farming and also providing service training. They teach the

farmers how to use farm machinery that can help make their work easier and

productive. They also teach essential farm management to the students and farmers as

they plan to give more services related to management practices (e.g., breeding

management and boar management) in the future. However, several activities during

the farm visitation were not documented, and the practitioner only accumulated the

activities and management that the farm personnel has discussed.

 31

Feeding Management

Feeding management is the most expensive requirement in swine production.

This is used in optimizing pig performance, to prevent and treat swine disease. It is

required to give nutrients needed by the animals for their fast growth. These are the

essential nutrients needed by the animals: minerals, energy, vitamins, amino acids and

water. Pigs must be provided with these essential nutrients in sufficient amounts and

in palatable and efficient forms for optimal growth, production, and lactation to occur.

At Alde farm, they gave full of concentrate feeds to the pigs. The pre-starter

feeds are introduced when the pigs are 4-9 weeks of age, starter feeds are introduced

10-14 weeks of age, grower feeds are introduced 15-19 weeks of age and finisher

feeds are introduced at the age of 20 weeks until it harvests. Table 3 shows the

feeding program of pigs at varying ages at Alde farm.

Table 3. Feeding program of pigs at varying ages.

AGE (WEEK) RATION WEIGHT (KG)
4 Pre-starter 7
5 Pre-starter 9
6 Pre-starter 12
7 Pre-starter 17
8 Pre-starter 21
9 Pre-starter 25
10 Starter 30
11 Starter 35
12 Starter 40
13 Starter 44
14 Starter 51
15 Grower 58
16 Grower 65
17 Grower 72
18 Grower 80
19 Grower 86
20 Finisher 95
 32

Health Management

A program of preventative measures is the best way to control diseases and

parasites of the animals. It includes cleaning and disinfecting the area, vaccination,

supplementations of vitamins and proper management of the farm. Sick animals are

treated according to the recommended treatment level.

Vaccination. The purpose of vaccination is to improve the immune system

and prevent the mass destruction of large numbers infected or potentially contagious

animals. The immune system has two branches: the humoral and cell-mediated

immune systems. The humoral immune system produces antibodies, while the cell-

mediated immune systems activate phagocytes and antigen-specific responses.

Vaccination aims to stimulate the humoral immune system by increasing antibody

production with minor disruption of the cellular immune system (Mike et al., 2016).

Vaccination is already practiced at Alde farm, however, during the farm

visitation, there is no schedule for vaccination and according to the farm manager,

they done vaccination performed by the farm’s veterinarian.

They also performed/practiced iron supplementation (iron dextran) to the

piglets between three and seven days of age. The purpose of iron is for the

development of iron deficiency that will result of anemia (Plate 17).

Alde farm gives vitamin to the animals to keep the body healthy and promote

resistance to diseases. Vitamin B (Thiamine) is given to animals in maintaining the

normal health status and necessary for the normal functioning of the body. It is a

water-soluble that can destroy by prolonged heat. This role enables conversion of
 33

blood sugar (glucose), and it is important in providing energy to the brain (Kennady et

al., 2018).

Plate 17. Vaccination

Needle Teeth clipping. In Alde farm, teeth clipping (Plate 18) is performed

within 24 hours after birth using needle teeth clipper. The main reason is to prevent

potential damage to the sow’s underline, which may cause reluctance of the sow to

allow nursing. It can also prevent facial injuries to littermates when fighting over

teats.

Tail docking. To prevent tail biting and the complications of infection, tails

are docked or cut off from the newborn pig. Tail docking is common and very

important in swine production (Plate 19). Tail was clipped about 1.5 inches from its

base and tincture of iodine was applied to the tail stump. In Alde farm, tail docking

was done a week after the piglet is born. Tail biting behavior involves destructive
 34

chewing of the tails of groupmates, which can both compromise pig welfare and cause

economic losses.

Plate 18. Needle Teeth clipping

Castration. Castration is a removal of the testes of male piglets. Male piglets

that are unwanted and not fit for breeding purposes are castrated just after weaning

and may be kept on the farm as fattener animals, which later on may be sold for meat

purposes. In Alde farm, castration existed, and it is done after weaning the piglets

(Plate 20) using a scalpel or non-sterile knife. The primary purpose of castration is to

avoid boar taint in the meat of sexually mature male pigs and reduce aggression

toward other pigs and caretakers.

 35

Plate 19. Tail-docking

Plate 20. Castration of piglets

 36

Biosecurity Measures

Biosecurity of the farm level is the set of practical measures to prevent

entrance of infection and control the spread of infection within the farm. The purpose

of biosecurity program is to keep out of pathogens from the farm. The development

and implementation of biosecurity program provides an essential component of many

on-farm food safety programs; greater consumer acceptability of the quality and

safety of the food supply; healthy animals that are more productive; improved animals

welfare; and improved efficiency and profitability for the pork producer. In addition,

supermarket buyers and consumers want pork producers to use less medication when

producing pork (Baker, 2009).

Strengthening biosecurity measures helped Alde farm increase efficiency and

productivity as a whole. It decreases the percentage of sick animals due to control

measures implemented by the management and reduces the risk of infection caused by

viruses or any pathogens and maintain the production level. Thus, the farm operations

and services offered continuous and improved as what the owners goal.

Cleaning. Cleaning is the first step in sanitation. It removes waste in the area

which protect against disease agents, and are also remove foreign materials like dust,

soil, and droppings, blood and secretion. At Alde farm, they performed both dry and

wet cleaning. It is usually done manually. Dry cleaning is done by using shovel and

brush to remove dust, soil and other foreign materials while wet cleaning performed

using detergent soak by water and spread it to the area. Sometimes they use hot soapy

water for cleaning. The assign cleaner must scrub the area to remove the remaining

dirt and grease.

 37

Disinfection. Disinfection is done after cleaning the area. The purpose of

disinfecting is to remove or eliminate microorganisms, especially those potential

pathogens on the surface of lifeless object or environment. This farm, used different

disinfectants like Protect Plus, Hallcid and Microban GT. They performed

disinfecting once a month using knapsack sprayer to prevent microorganisms to build

immune response from the chemical.

Record Keeping

Record keeping is a very crucial activity to a successful business. Without

farm records, no successful operation would happen. All activities conducted every

day in every section of production were also recorded for these will be used as the

basis of evaluating the performance not only of the animals but also of the entire farm.

At Alde farm, all necessary data of each animal and of the farm in general were

recorded for future references. It helps in setting the proper pricing for the animals

that can be sold on the farm. Unfortunately, these records were not presented by the

management during the visitation and interview.

E. Identification of Problems

During visitation in Alde farm, these are the problems identified:

1. Most of the workers do not make efforts in wearing their uniforms.

Workers of the farm should be the first responsible in wearing their

uniforms to be recognized by costumers or visitors that they are the

staff/personnel of the farm. The visitors will not be confused were they

need to ask if they have problem or concern.

 38

2. Several farms including Alde Farm faces numerous losses in terms in

number of live pigs due to African Swine Flu. The farm implemented a

strict policy regarding the internship of the student practitioner due to

viruses which make the field practice unavailable. The students were not

able to observe actually the various routine procedures in pig farming.

3. Biosecurity measures must be followed by the workers and visitors

because it will affect the overall operation of the farm. The health of the

workers, staff and animals must be considered and prioritize by the laws

and regulations implemented within the vicinity.

4. Not wearing gloves or using hand sanitizer while assisting the pregnant

sow or treating sick animals can cause contamination. Bacteria and other

pathogens can transfer from human to the animal that can cause infection.
 39

CHAPTER IV

GENERAL ASSESSMENT, COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The actual field practice helped the student acquire skills, gained more

knowledge and experience hands-on activities on the farm. These will help the student

to develop communication skills, confidence and passion in the future career. But this

time of pandemic field practice will not happen. Farm visitation made this research to

complete. Based on the observation of the student on the farm, Alde farm is a suitable

venue for learning and training since it is a farm school accredited by the TESDA.

They welcomed all the visitors including the students. All the staffs on the farm are

willing to share their knowledge to the student and even to the farmers.

Based on the student observation, Alde farm has its own management

practices that made it more productive. The management was doing their best to attain

the standard in swine production. They also have well-experienced and competent

workers.

During the farm visitation, the student was able to identify common problems

encountered by the farm. Some recommendations for the identified problems are as

follows.

Recommendations

1. Infection caused by viruses, or any pathogens is a serious problem that a farm

must treat immediately and it may result to several losses. Strict

implementation of biosecurity measures should be implemented to reduce the

impact to the production of meat and live products. In case of any infection,
 40

the sick animals must be quarantined and treated immediately to protect from

others who are free from diseases.

2. Company uniform considered as one of the important stuffs and plays a

significant role for the costumers, client, and visitors because it signifies that

the person wearing such uniform is the responsible one in responding

costumer’s issues and concerns. Therefore, it is recommended to all Admin

staffs and workers that wearing a uniform is a must.

3. Observing rules and regulations implanted by the management should be

strictly implemented for the safety of workers, visitor and animals. One way to

reduce the risk and follow the policies is by hiring a security guard who are in-

charge of checking bags any belongings of both workers and visitors. That is

why, checking of bags must be considered in the farm.

4. Preventive measures must also be observed, like wearing gloves or using hand

sanitizer while assisting the pregnant sow in giving birth to avoid transmitting

microorganisms and infecting the animals

 41

CHAPTER V

LITERATURE CITED

BAKER, R. B. (2009). building functional biosecurity plans. National Hog Farmer

(October 15). http://nationalhogfarmer.com/health-diseases/disease-
prevention/1015- building-functional-biosecurity-plans/. Accessed on
[November 18, 2010].
FOREIGN, A. S. (1999). Hogs/Pork Commodity. [Online]. Available:
www.fas.usda.gov/commodity.html [2000, September 13].
KANSAS, S. U. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
[December 2016].
KENNADY, V., M. VIRMANI., R. MALIK., K. RAJALAKSHMI & KASTHURI.
Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Research. December 10, 2018.
MARITES, T., M. A. CATELO., M. L. LAPAR. (2008). Contract Farming of Swine
in Southeast Asia as a response to changing market demand for quality
and safety in pork.
MIKE T., J. SOTO., B. GOODBAND., S. DRITZ., J. WOODWORTH., & J.
DEROUCHEY. Swine Management Practices to Reduce the Need for
Antibiotics, Kansas State University, December 2016.
PHILIPPINE STATISTIC AUTHORITY. (2020). SWINE Situation Report. Hog on
farm. Retrieved on August 16, 2016, from www.dreamstime.com Native
pig.
STULL, C. L., J. L. PAS., FARLEY., F. D. GALEY., J. S. CULLOR, and R. A.
WILSON. (1999). Assessment of bacteria and mycotoxins in feed and coliforms
in water offered to high and low performing commercial growing hogs
in California. Prof. Anim. Sci.15: 94-99.
TARA, S. (2016). Features of Physical Resources. http://study.com›academy›what-
are- physical- resource, November 13, 2016.