The workshop was hosted by the University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach service with expertise from UOG animal scientist Dr. Jeng-Hung “Leo” Liu, North Dakota State University swine research technician Dr. Jennifer Young, and NDSU animal scientist Dr. Christopher Byrd, who specializes in stress physiology.

The workshop emphasized the significance of animal welfare, proper nutrition, and effective heat-stress management in Guam and other tropical islands.

“By enhancing the well-being of livestock, we can further ensure the sustainability of livestock production on island,” Liu said. “Given our unique climate challenges, workshops like these play a crucial role in addressing our specific needs, especially considering that much of the research, publications, and resources from the U.S. mainland may have limited application to our region.”

Participants received instruction on the importance of collecting and tracking data to help improve breeding results and reduce disease.  

Workshop participant Crystal C. Deleon Guerrero shared that the workshop helped her and her husband, who run a piggery in Saipan called Kumoi Farms, identify stressors that may be affecting their animals’ gestation.

“These workshops are so beneficial for everyone in our oceanic region raising livestock,” she said. “The information gathered from each lecture made for some excellent table conversation as my husband and I analyzed the differences in goals that we, as islanders, are setting out to achieve.”

Seeing the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the supply chain and the cost of food and shipping, many of the region’s residents and agricultural producers have a renewed desire to increase the availability of locally grown foods, yet they may be facing new climate-related challenges or may not be aware of the latest research in increasing livestock production.

“The local food movement has emerged in recent years leaving a generational gap in astute practices and farming ingenuity,” Deleon Guerrero said. “I strongly believe that these workshops and learning tools help us bridge those gaps.”

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If you have questions about care for your poultry or swine, please contact UOG Cooperative Extension & Outreach at (671) 735-2080.