Crossbred pig variety released by ICAR-NRC on Pig

15^th October 2016, Guwahati

Two new and improved crossbred varieties of pigs namely “Rani” and “Asha”, developed by ICAR-NRC on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, was released by Dr. H. Rahman, Deputy Director General (Animal Science) today. In his presidential address, Dr Rahman, appreciated the effort of the Institute for development of faster-growing crossbred pigs and expected that the rural farmers would be benefitted through rearing of improved pig germplasm. He later distributed “Rani” and “Asha” piglets to pig farmers of adopted village and released few publications of the Institute.

Dr. D.K. Sarma, Director, NRC on Pig, in his inaugural address  said “Rani”, the crossbred pig variety has been developed by ICAR-NCR on Pig by crossing Hampshire (exotic breed) with Ghungroo (indigenous breed) to have 50% inheritance of both the breeds. The breed characters of “Rani” crossbred has been stabilized for consistent crossbreeding of six generation. The breed can gain almost 75 kg body weight at slaughter age of 8 months with 1.98 cm of back fat thickness. “Rani” cross have widely been validated in farmers’ field. Duroc, another exotic germplasm, was crossed with “Rani” to develop “Asha” cross to have 25% Ghungroo, 25% Hampshire and 50% Duroc inheritance. “Asha” can produce 80 kg lean pork at slaughter age of 8 months with 1.75 cm back fat thickness.

Dr. R.S. Gandhi, Assistant Director General (Animal Production and Breeding) explained the increasing interest of farmers and entrepreneurs about piggery which requires good breeding animals.

Senior officials from ICAR Headquarters, State Government, ICAR Institutes, Universities,  AICRP on Pig and Mega Seed Project on Pig along with progressive farmers participated in the event.

(Source: ICAR-NRC on Pig, Rani, Guwahati)