July 16, 2024

Genetics and research: India finds a way to drive growth of pig industry

Despite the significant potential for pig farming to contribute to the better livelihood of the rural poor and meet the demand for animal protein, India's pig population is considerably low.

Therefore, the National Research Centre (NRC) on Pig established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (New Delhi) undertakes basic, strategic and applied research in the areas of pig production and health to develop technologies for sustainable pig production. Techniques based on modern biology, such as the genetic manipulation of pigs, and chemical and biological treatment of low-quality animal feeds for improved nutritive value, are finding their way into research and development programmes.

The NRC has achieved genetic improvements in indigenous pigs through selective breeding and cross-breeding, driving physiological and reproductive efficiency, and developing techniques for early pregnancy diagnosis and pig health management.

Another effort by the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) started in the early 1970s to study the performance of purebred exotic pigs (Landrace and Large White Yorkshire) under existing managemental conditions at various research stations across India.

To provide a multidisciplinary approach to pig production, AICRP's technical programme for pigs was completely remodelled to undertake research first on indigenous pigs before focusing on the crossbreeding between indigenous females with appropriate exotic breeds.

In 2007, the programme was further refined. It was found that inter-se mating in a small population is not appropriate. Furthermore, the replacement of males has to be implemented to prevent inbreeding. Early weaning as early as four weeks of age should be practiced to allow the provision of all essential nutritive feed supplements in a creep ration. 

The genetic improvement of indigenous pigs through a pure breed selection programme was conducted in all eight centres of AICRP under various agro-climatic conditions.

Rapid urbanisation and a growing population have led to increased demand for quality pork production. However, major hurdles — like the unavailability of low-cost feed ingredients, improper management of production, or the lack of financial support — are hampering the development of India's pig production industry.

There are, however, opportunities for the industry's progress: for example, a sizeable number of educated youth have taken up the pig farming venture as a means of livelihood.

Meanwhile, the NRC is coordinating a project to produce and supply quality swine germplasm to local farmers all over India.

- Dr. Dinesh Bhosale