Kohima, August 17 (MExN): An awareness program on “Scientific pig feeding, management & bio-security of farm animal” was held at School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus recently. It was jointly organized by ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani Guwahati and All India Coordinated Research Centre on Pig, Nagaland Centre.
Anungla, group leader of the piggery Self Help Groups of Medziphema Ward 9 expressed the views and expectations of the piggery farming groups. Acknowledging that timely awareness programs by the SASRD faculty and staffs have supported the backyard pigs in terms of timely health care, de-worming, vaccination etc, the SHGs expected expert advice from time to time. It was also pointed out that the pig farmers are rearing the upgraded Tenyi Vo supplied from the pig project of the college, which is suitable for farmers with poor feeding system; however, for some who are trying to develop organised pig farm they need other exotic pigs with faster growth rate.
Prof. RC Gupta, Dean NU-SASRD stressed on the economical feeding of pigs with minimum wastage, a press release informed. Pigs have different requirements at every stage of growth, he said, adding optimum feeding is required for maximum gain. He further said that the farmers must get good information to improve backyard pigs for self sustainability.
In the technical session, Dr. Santanu Banik, Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani Guwahati presented PowerPoint on the “Overview of piggery sector and breeding strategies for optimum pig production”. Selection of the breeding males based on the performance of growth rate, proper developments of male genital organs and other genetically recorded data are essential for a good breeding stock selection to maximise production, he stated.
Dr. K. Barman, Sr. Scientist, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani Guwahati pointed out that incorporating local product like pre-treated tapioca besides balanced diet decreases the feeding cost, and enhances growth. Meanwhile, avoiding visitors and entry of other animals in the farm premises, proper fencing, antiseptic foot dips at the farm entrance, use of protective cloths by the farm attendants, timely de-worming of the pigs and vaccination against classical swine fever were some bio-security measures pointed out.
Dr. Girish Patil, Sr. Scientist, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani Guwahati presented on hygienic pork production and production of shelf-stable pork products. Since the consumers of North East states of India, particularly Nagaland, prefer pork and pork products, “we should also resort to processed shelf-stable ready to eat pork product which is ideal and healthy for human,” he stated, according to the release.
Dr. M. Catherine Rutsa, Assistant Professor & In-charge, ICAR-AICRCP, Nagaland Centre spoke on vaccination against classical swine fever in pig. She informed the farmers that swine fever vaccines are available with her and the Dept. of Livestock Production & Management, NU, SASRD and can be utilized according to their needs. The vaccines were provided by the Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Nagaland.
