Pig farming training for the farmers of Punjab has started in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana. Dr SNS Randhawa, Director of Extension Education, GADVASU said that the challenges faced by our country in securing the food as well as nutritional security to fast growing population need an integrated approach for livestock farming. Among the various livestock species, piggery is most potential source of meat production and more efficient feed converters after the broiler. Dr J S Bhatti Head, Deptt of Veterinay and Animal Husb. Ext. Education said that experts from College of Veterinary Science will deliver their lectures on various aspects of pig farming. He further added that after getting such training from the university, the unemployed youth can start their own enterprise, which on one hand can provide the needed employment and on the other hand bring diversification in agriculture.
The farmers will be instructed to construct cheap but comfortable sheds for their pigs which help them in better hygienic conditions and excellent management. Major part of the expenditure in pig farming is on feeding. The farmers will be guided to make economical feed. The farmers will be trained to differentiate between healthy and sick animals. Role of regular vaccination, deworming and hygiene in prevention of diseases will be stressed. The first aid methods for various ailments will be taught and practical demonstrations will be held. Tips for timely detection of heat and care of pregnant and new born animals will be emphasized. Dr. Navdeep Singh course coordinator of the training welcomed all the farmers and discussed in detail the importance of pig farming. He informed that more than 55 farmers and 3 farm women have enrolled themselves for the current training. The current training is for 5 days and the farmers are showing great interest in learning new technicalities of pig farming.
