UOG’s animal scientist: A resource for Micronesia’s farmers and hunters
UOG’s animal scientist: A resource for Micronesia’s farmers and hunters
UOG’s animal scientist: A resource for Micronesia’s farmers and hunters
10/26/2022
Hunters and livestock producers in Guam and the broader Micronesian region may not be aware of a helpful resource at the University of Guam when it comes to raising healthy animals and safely harvesting meat.
Jeng-Hung Liu, who holds a doctorate in animal sciences from North Dakota State University, is an animal scientist, or sometimes called a meat scientist, with the UOG Cooperative Extension & Outreach service. Joining the university last year as the newest extension faculty member, one of his focus areas is assisting and educating local livestock farmers and hunters on matters of animal health and production.
Animal scientists specialize in livestock genetics, nutrition, reproduction physiology, growth and development, and in animal harvesting and product development of mostly domestic and economic animals, such as cattle, pigs, goats, and chickens.
“Any kind of animal products on the market that you can think of is a product and achievement of animal science, whether it be meat, dairy, leather, or eggs,” he said.
Food safety for self-sustainability
Animal science comes into play in the processing of wild game as well. A recent workshop of the Guam Hunter Education Program of the Guam Department of Agriculture recently called on Liu to demonstrate how to properly process a pig and practice safe food handling. The program is working to promote self-sustainability and food security by helping and encouraging hunters.
“Together, we want to provide an opportunity for new hunters to overcome barriers to hunting because, sometimes, people do not want to hunt because they don’t know what to do when they catch and harvest an animal,” said Jane-Marie Dia, program coordinator of GDOA’s Guam Hunter Education Program. “This workshop led by Dr. Liu is to expand their knowledge and experience in hunting.”
During the Sept. 24 workshop at the University of Guam’s Yigo Station Education Center, Liu provided a basic introduction of the different pathogens that can be found in feral pigs, how to properly eradicate them, and how to keep the meat clean in order to maintain its shelf life. Additionally, participants were taught how to scald and prepare pigs for fiestas.
“There are many hog raisers, as well as pig and deer derbies [in Guam and the region], so there is always a need to push for food safety,” Liu said. “These workshops help hunters remain confident in their practice by providing them with the necessary guidance and resources.”
Providing meat for private events is considered a custom butcher, which is legal, Liu said. However commercially selling meat is not possible without a U.S. Department of Agriculture–certified slaughterhouse on island.
An economic need for local meat production
“Dr. Liu’s content and process expertise will be of great value for helping producers improve practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, and other related animal science issues,” Barcinas said.
Liu hopes to collaborate more with the Department of Agriculture and other partners to provide trainings according to the community’s needs.
Though Guam faces geographical limitations, Liu said it’s important for every community to be able to produce some of its own meat protein.
“I believe the livestock industry is essential for almost anywhere in the world,” he said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how fragile our transportation and shipping system is. We can never really economically compete with these import products, but in the event there are interruptions of shipment, we should be able to provide for the island and one another.”
Dr. Jeng-Hung Liu can be reached at (671) 735-2088 or liuj14031@triton.uog.edu.