ATI-ITCPH offers trainings on swine production

THE AGRICULTURAL Training Institute-International Training Center in Pig Husbandry (ATI-ITCPH) is offering various specialized courses throughout the year to assist pork producers achieve their productivity and profitability goals. ATI-ITCPH, located in Batangas, is one of the 17 training centers of the Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture. It is the only training center in Asia specializing on pig husbandry staffed with highly competent technical personnel whose local and international trainings include both large and small-scale pig farming practices.

ATI-ITCPH trainings enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills to improve their swine management. Among those who take the courses include nongovernment extension workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, private extension service providers, agricultural teachers and professors, members of ruralbased organizations and cooperatives, and other interested private individuals.

The center provides regular training programs on pig husbandry and related disciplines such as Artificial Insemination, Waste Management, Meat Processing, and Animal Feedmilling Technology. These include:

Trainors’ Course on Pig Husbandry. This is a regular once a year course for extension workers/technicians of government and non-government organizations; and teachers/instructors of agricultural colleges and universities handling pig husbandry subjects and/ or in-charge of pig farm project in the campus.

Basic Pig Husbandry. The course is designed

for private individuals who are engaged or are still planning to go into swine production. The course consists of theoretical and practical lessons covering all aspects of swine raising.

Artificial Insemination (AI). This course is tented for practicing and would-be AI technicians. It is a highly practical course, conducted for one week covering the detailed aspects of swine artificial insemination. At the end of the course, the participants should have acquired proficiency in semen evaluation, processing, and insemination.

Animal Waste Management. The course will serve as a venue for exposure of the participants on the different techniques of waste management procedures, which can be implemented in the farm. It is a combination of theoretical and practical lessons under the supervision of ATI-ITCPH’s well-trained staff.

Pig Farming as an Enterprise. This five-day training is solely for farm owners, supervisors, private individuals or those interested in pig farming as a potential business venture. Here, participants are way off production but more focused on the management of pig business, business communication, and planning.

Sustainable Pig Farming. In support for the national government’s call to promote organic agriculture even in livestock, this three-day training involves the sustainable ways and alternatives of pig production. On-Farm Production of Beneficial Microorganisms: Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum (LABS) and Other Concoctions. This training is a sister course of Sustainable Pig Farming dealing with the production of fermented juices and LABS known to be effective and efficient as antibiotic and deodorizer for pig’s immune system and wastes. This employs environment-friendly procedures that are taught through lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises.

Basic Meat Processing. The course aims to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills in processing pork into ham, bacon, native sausages, tocino, pork, tapa, corned pork, and hamburger. Meat processing provides added value to pork thereby raising income of pig raisers.

At the same time, ATI-ITCPH also provides tailor-made and off-center courses on pig husbandry and related discipline. These courses are offered to government and private individuals who request for a specially-designed and organized training. The curriculum usually is different from the center’s regular courses since its objectives are based on the preference of clients. (Swine Magazine)

For more information, visit http://www.ati-da.gov.ph/itcph or https://twitter.com/atiitcph?lang=en. Inquiries could also be sent to atiitcphrecords@gmail.com or by calling (63) (043) 756-1987; 756-1996 or (0918) 903-0121.