Orlando Corzo (left), CER-DET veterinarian, and Sandoo
Ruellar, member of the local cooperative at Timboy, at the pig raising
station.
Photo: Dave Allen/CWS |
Orlando is a Veterinarian on staff with CWS Partner agency Center of Regional Studies for Development of Tarija ( CER-DET). With his help, the members of a local cooperative of Guarani have learned a better way of raising pigs. The common method is to let the native Creole pigs roam free in the palm grass and trees of the valleys, foraging on whatever they can find. These pigs are susceptible to diseases, which can be passed to humans in some cases.
Thanks to CROP Hunger Walk funds, Orlando is able to provide technical assistance in how to raise a superior breed of pig by using pens and shelters. Members control the animals' nutrition, breeding and sanitation.
The best of the pigs are raised for breeding stock for the center and the rest for sale for breeding or consumption. A female pig will cost $150 to $160, while a male may be worth $500. The York Lander breed is bred with ordinary pigs in an effort to improve the local stock.
Eight families participate in the cooperative. The families each take a two-week shift in caring for the pigs. They feed the animals, clean the pigs and pens, and keep records of diets, shots and weight. The feed, mixed at the center, brings the pigs to desired weight more quickly than traditional methods, and the meat tastes better than the native pig.
The cooperative operates an animal-sharing program, in which a piglet is given to a family to raise with the understanding that when the pig gives birth, a piglet from the litter will be given to another family to do likewise.
Orlando also has advised the community of Mokomokal nearby. Farmers there have expanded their poultry operation, raising chickens in an enclosed shelter. The community’s chickens are so healthy and well nourished that hotels in the region purchase them.