EVALUATION OF THE FARM MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF BACKYARD SWINE RAISERS IN ASF POSITIVE AREA: THE CASE IN MALUNGON, SARANGANI PROVINCE

The study was carried out to evaluate the farm management practices of backyard swine raisers in ASF positive area; the case in Malungon, Sarangani. There are a total of 32 backyard swine raisers by using total enumeration method. Data was collected from the respondents through personal interview using structured survey questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Majority of the backyard swine raisers in Malungon, Sarangani are married, female adults with age ranging from 29 years old and have an average of 13 years in swine raising. Results show that swine raisers do not feed their pigs with swill, have a proper housing with concrete ground and floor. They have also septic tank intended only to the manure of pigs; they do not throw the manure of pigs in an open dump. On the other hand, the biosecurity practices, majority of the respondents use disinfectant to clean the pig pens. For healthcare management, they deworm their pigs once a month. Additionally, the problem encountered of the backyard swine raisers is lack of knowledge in biosecurity practices. The average total income of backyard swine raisers in Malungon, Sarangani is P 11,250 with 55% ROI. Swine raisers in Malungon, Sarangani should prevent from feeding swill as a food component of their pigs as this can help in preventing the spread of the virus. The swine raisers should also have foot bath in their backyards, and improve access to veterinarians and health services for non-commercial/backyard farms. The office of the Municipal Agriculturist may conduct a program or seminars about biosecurity practices that the swine raisers can educate practicing in preventing the said virus. Backyard swine raisers should create an association to improve swine industry in the locality, also to disseminate information easily. They may also consider establishing proper road transportation.