SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Animal Husbandry Department in collaboration with Mercy For Animals India organised a specialised technical training session on pig feeding practices and animal welfare at the Vocational Training Centre in Upper Shillong to improve pig health, strengthen biosecurity, and prevent disease outbreaks.
The programme focused on integrating scientific pig farming practices with humane animal care standards in line with guidelines issued by ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig.
The training programme was attended by Registrar of Meghalaya State Veterinary Council Dr. V. Hynniewta as the chief guest, along with Deputy Director (AHP) Dr. L.M. Umlong, Principal Scientist Dr. R. Thomas of ICAR-NRCP Rani, Assistant Director (Piggery Development) Dr. D.T. Sun, and Organising Specialist of Mercy For Animals India Niharika Kapoor.
According to officials, the main objective of the training was to equip veterinarians and livestock officers with advanced knowledge and practical skills on scientific pig feeding and welfare management practices.
The session highlighted key concerns including the dangers of feeding untreated and unregulated food waste (swill) to pigs, promotion of hygienic feeding systems, strengthening awareness on biosecurity measures, and preventing diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Officials informed that the programme was based on the recommended management practices developed by ICAR institutions, especially the ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig.
Speaking during the programme, Niharika Kapoor of Mercy For Animals India said integrating animal welfare into pig farming is essential to ensure pigs live healthy, comfortable, and stress-free lives.
She stressed that humane feeding and management practices must be consistently followed to protect the physical and behavioural well-being of animals.
Kapoor further said creating awareness and encouraging adoption of scientific and welfare-oriented farming practices at the grassroots level is important for building responsible and sustainable livestock systems.
The workshop also aimed at empowering farmers and livestock officers to adopt sustainable pig farming practices that balance economic benefits with animal welfare standards.
