International Diploma Pig Husbandry

Introduction

Traditionally, pigs are a source of high quality protein, which can be produced from agricultural by-products unsuitable for human consumption. The increasing demand for pork requires practice-oriented workers in extension, education and training.

For whom it is intended

Extension officers, teachers and instructors in animal production and managers in the field of pig husbandry.

Your final destination

As a result of the training the participant is able to:

  • Manage or supervise or guide pig production from back-yard systems to intensive, intermediate scale pig farming methods;

  • Appreciate the relevance of local pig farmers' knowledge, experience and practices and create awareness of sustainable production concepts and methods;

  • Identify, recognise and analyse opportunities and problems, taking into account constraints and utilise possibilities concerning pig husbandry;

  • Co-operate with others of various disciplines in planning, designing and implementing projects in the field of pig husbandry;

  • Transfer relevant knowledge, skills and technology concepts to small and intermediate scale pig farmers.

    • Content of training/course

    Compulsory modules, including theoretical and practical subjects related to:

  • Farm management economics and marketing aspects;

  • Genetics and breeding;

  • Health, hygiene and pathology;

  • Housing and equipment;

  • Management topics;

  • Record keeping and production control;

  • Nutrition;

  • Applied management in the farm facilities of the institute;

  • Compilation of several reports and a pilot project.



    • Optional modules (in order to qualify for the Diploma the optional modules should add up to 480 study-load hours):

  • Pig farming as an enterprise;

  • Pig breeding and artificial insemination;

  • Pig husbandry technology;

  • Manure and waste utilisation;

  • Training and extension;

  • Food safety;

  • Feed formulation;

  • Other species.


    • Methods:
    'Learning by Doing'

  • Theory classes;

  • Practicals and demonstrations in the PTC+ farms and facilities;

  • Applied management, including writing reports;

  • Individual design of a pilot project proposal which can be implemented at home;

  • Technical field trips.

    • The final exam

    Examination methods:

  • Written tests;

  • Assessment of practical work in the PTC+ farms and facilities;

  • Presentations;

  • Assessment of reports.

    • Preliminary training required

  • A Diploma and/or B.Sc. degree in Agricultural Science with a major in Animal Production, or equivalent qualification from a recognised institute;

  • At least three years experience in pig husbandry or closely related subjects;

  • Competence in the English language;

  • Willingness to perform manual work during the course and particularly during applied management;

  • Age preferably between 25 and 45 years.

    • Duration of study, minimum number of participants and prices

    Fees:
    € 14,500.00
    Course fee is including full board and lodging and excluding international travel expenses and out of pocket expenses.

    Date, location and route description

    24 August 2009 through 26 February 2010
    23 August 2010 through 25 February 2011

    Download route description:
    Barneveld