Cebu expands cattle breeding program, eyes future local Wagyu production

Local

CEBU Province is stepping up efforts to improve livestock production through its artificial insemination (AI) program, with provincial officials now looking at the potential of producing Wagyu-cross cattle locally.

In an episode of Istorya Cebu talk show, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy said livestock development remains a key component of the province's agricultural agenda.

"We also have a mandate sa livestock development. Naa mi dako nga chunk of our activities geared towards livestock production and development and unsa pa atong matabang for the food security sa Cebu province," she said.

A major part of the program is the Cebu Provincial Liquid Nitrogen Plant in Cebu City, which preserves semen used in artificial insemination. The facility supports the nationwide breeding improvement initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA), allowing farmers access to better cattle genetics.

According to Vincoy, the government provides semen from various breeds to help improve the quality and market value of livestock owned by local raisers.

"Og naa tay Bisaya nga baka o kabaw, para modako, inahay modako sab ang kita sa farmers og iya na ibaligya. Its helping livestock raisers, farmers panahon nga gamiton na niya pang tuition, expenses, makatabang to siya sa pagbaligya sa iyang hayop," she said.

The semen is stored in coded straws inside tanks filled with liquid nitrogen to maintain viability until used by trained AI technicians.

Vincoy said the province has also been working closely with local government units to promote awareness of the technology and encourage livestock owners to participate.

"I’m happy to say nga ang mga Cebuano gi adopt gyud ang AI program," she said.

She noted that Cebu remains a major contributor to the region's cattle industry.

"Cebu is no. 1 sa cattle head inventory sa CV. ang CV nag una sab. 60% gikan sa probinsiya sa Sugbo," Vincoy added.

The province has also started receiving limited Wagyu semen through the national AI program, which began distributing the genetics to selected provinces in 2024.

While requests from farmers continue to be dominated by Brahman cattle, officials see opportunities for Wagyu-cross breeding in the future.

Wagyu cattle, originally from Japan, are prized for their heavily marbled beef. By introducing Wagyu genetics into existing local herds through artificial insemination, farmers may eventually produce higher-value cattle while retaining traits suited to local conditions.

Vincoy believes the program can further boost farm incomes, strengthen the livestock sector, and support Cebu's food security goals.(MyTVCebu)