ICAR-sponsored Short Course on “Modern techniques in pig semen processing and AI” organized at ICAR-CCARI, Goa
ICAR-sponsored Short Course on “Modern techniques in pig semen processing and AI” organized at ICAR-CCARI, Goa
ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Old Goa organized a 10 days short Course on “Modern techniques in pig semen processing and AI”during 22nd to 31st October, 2018. This training course was sponsored by the Agricultural Education Division of ICAR, New Delhi as a part of capacity building program for ICAR Scientists and the Faculty of State Agricultural and Veterinary Universities.
Significance of the training programme:
Pig plays an important role in supporting the livelihood of resource poor communities along with satisfying much needed animal protein. Pig farming is important especially because they have faster growth rate, shorter generation interval and excellent feed conversion efficiency. However, natural mating in pigs results in slower genetic gain and indiscriminate use of limited number of breeding boars leads to decline in overall pig production. Pig industry’s requirement for improved genetic traits and rapid genetic improvement has stimulated the need for viable technology like Artificial insemination (AI) in breeding management programs. Artificial insemination is an important technique, contributing to the improvement of livestock genetic potential through rapid dissemination of superior germplasm and faster genetic gain.
Pig semen processing, preservation techniques and application of AI technology in pigs are still in nascent stage in our country. Wider adoption of AI technique in pig production can act as catalyst for propagation of quality pig germplasm and can boost overall pig production in the country. For this, more emphasis should be given for capacity building of researchers, academicians and veterinary professionals in the field of pig semen processing and breeding techniques.
In this backdrop, ICAR-CCARI has taken a lead to organize much-needed training and capacity building in the area. A total 14 participants from 11 states viz. Assam, Meghalaya, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu participated in the programme. Among the participants, 12 were from State Veterinary Universities/colleges, 2 were from ICAR Institutes and KVK. Participants were in the category of Scientists, Assistant Professors, Associate professor, Subject Matter Specialist belonging to different veterinary disciplines like Animal Reproduction, Animal Genetics, Livestock Production Management, Animal Physiology, Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Anatomy and Surgery. Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director (A), ICAR-CCARI was the Course Director and Scientists Dr. Gokuldas PP & Dr. Susitha Rajkumar, acted as Course Coordinators of the programme.
The course was inaugurated by Dr. M. B. Chetti, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad. During the inaugural function, Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director (A), ICAR-CCARI and Course Director of the programme, welcomed the Chief Guest and the participants. Dr. Gokuldas PP, Scientist and Course Coordinator, briefed about the training programme. In his speech, Chief Guest highlighted need of the faculties for continuous learning and updating their knowledge in the subject to pass on to the next generation. Dr. E.B. Chakurkar emphasised the need for wider adoption of pig AI technology in the country. Training Manual was also released during the function. Dr. Susitha Rajkumar, Scientist and Course Coordinator of the programme, proposed vote of thanks.
During the course, the participants were exposed to theoretical and practical hands-on sessions on modern techniques in semen evaluation, processing and Artificial Insemination in pigs. Besides this, topics like standard hygienic practices for boar semen processing and screening of semen for fertility markers were also included in the course. Audio-visual sessions on relevant topics were also organized during the Course. Two invited guest lectures on ‘importance of modern techniques in boar semen analysis and practical applications of ultrasonography in swine reproduction’ were also delivered by resource persons from other Institutes.The valedictory function of the course was held on 31stOctober, 2018. Certificates were distributed to the participants by the Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa.
This ten days programme has immensely contributed to overall capacity building of academicians and researchers who have come from different parts of the country and were trained for important aspects in pig semen processing and AI.