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Ghoongroo pig is the first recognized pig breed in India from the North Bengal and adjoining districts of Assam. This breed has been evolved through continuous breeding and selection within its native breeding tract. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the genetic performance of Ghoongroo pigs across generations, utilizing data collected over a 13-year period (2008-2021) from the Nucleus Pig Breeding Farm at the ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig in Guwahati, Assam. The analysis of productive, reproductive and carcass traits revealed continuous improvements in litter size, litter weight, weaning weight and other traits over successive generations due to selective breeding. The study highlighted the consistent genetic progress achieved through selective breeding within the Ghoongroo pig breed. The scientifically managed nucleus herd of Ghoongroo pigs at the research institute serves as a valuable repository for preserving the breed’s genetic resources and acts as a conservation unit for this unique indigenous breed.

Doom pig is unique indigenous germplasm of Assam which is adaptable to local climatic conditions and thrives with very low to negligible nutritional input and is capable of surviving in a migratory scavenging system, which makes it very popular among local communities of the state for rearing. Looking at the uniqueness and importance of the breed, it has been registered with the National Database of ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (INDIA_PIG_0200_DOOM_09006). The present study was undertaken to study the breeding tract, rearing practice in the field, evaluate the performance in the organized farm as well as its conservation needs. Formation of breed society, recognition of farmers, educating the stakeholders to use improved packages of practices and provision of incentives to the farmers to rear the animals will be helpful for the improvement of this unique germplasm.

Eighteen crossbred (HS × GH) castrated grower pigs (3 months old, body wt. ranged from 13 to 14 kg) were divided into three groups of six each in a randomized block design to investigate the partial replacement of conventional protein sources with silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) meal on production performance. Three different diets were prepared for feeding of experimental animals. These were namely - T1: standard grower ration without silkworm pupa meal and designated as control diet, T2: standard grower ration supplemented with 1.5% silkworm pupa meal by replacing 2.5% protein supplements which include mixture of groundnut cake and soyabean meal and standard grower ration supplemented with 3% silkworm pupa meal by replacing 5% protein supplements. The pigs were fed on the experimental grower rations twice daily in the morning and evening. The average dry matter intake was found similar in T1, T2 and T3 groups. Digestibility coefficients (%) of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fiber was increased in silkworm pupa meal supplemented groups. Nitrogen balance (g/d) was found positive across all the groups and was increased in supplemented groups in comparison to control. The average body weight gain (g/day) was found higher in silkworm pupa supplemented groups. The cost (`/kg gain) was reduced in T2 and T3 groups in comparison to T1 group. The feed conversion efficiency (FCR) was higher T2 and T3 groups than control group. From this study, it is concluded that silkworm pupa meal can be supplemented @ 3% level by replacing 5% protein supplements in grower crossbred pigs to improve growth, nutrient utilization, feed conversion efficiency and also to reduce the feed cost.

The study was carried out to attain information on smallholder pig production systems of Assam. Stratified purposive and random sampling design was followed for selection of respondents in two districts namely Tinsukia and Dhemaji located in sub-Himalayan terrain. The socioeconomic parameter of the farmers were delineated. Mostly the pigs were reared in semi-intensive to loosehouse system. Major feed ingredients were kitchen waste and locally available, seasonal unconventional feed. There was prevalence of local breeds namely Ghungroo and Doom pigs along with crossbred animal mostly of Hampshire and Large White Yorkshire crosses. The field level performance was evaluated. The study revealed the major constrains and opportunity for improvement of the sector in the surveyed area.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacement of groundnut cake with dried Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves on growth and nutrient utilization in crossbred grower pigs. Eighteen crossbred (Hampshire × Ghungroo) grower pigs (about 2 months old, body wt. 12–14 kg) of either sex were divided into three groups of six each in a randomized block design. Three different diets were used for feeding of the animals. These were namely, T1 (standard grower ration without dried Moringa leaves), T2 (standard grower ration supplemented with 5% dried Moringa leaves by replacing groundnut cake) and T3 (standard grower ration supplemented with 10% dried Moringa leaves by replacing groundnut cake). The pigs were fed on the experimental grower rations twice daily in the morning and evening. The crude protein content (% DM) of the grower ration ranged from 18.82±0.08 to 20.36±0.06 while that of Moringa leaves was 15.11±0.73. The average dry matter intake was (kg/d) 0.62, 0.62 and 0.60 respectively in T1, T2 and T3 groups which were found similar across all the groups. Digestibility coefficients (%) of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen free extracts increased in Moringa supplemented groups. While crude protein digestibility was higher in T2 group in comparison to other two groups. Nitrogen balance (g/d) was positive across all the groups and values were 16.10, 16.79 and 15.38 in groups T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The absorbed N (g/d) was significantly higher in T1 group (19.23) in comparison to the other two groups. However, there was no significant difference in absorbed N (g/d) in group T1 and T2. The absorbed N as percent intake, net protein utilization and biological value were similar across all the groups. The average body weight gain (g/day) was higher in Moringa leaves supplemented groups. The cost (`````₹/kg gain) was reduced in T2 and T3 groups in comparison to T1. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher in group T3 and lower in T2 group. From this study, it is concluded that dried Moringa leaves can be supplemented @ 5% level by replacing groundnut cake in grower crossbred pigs for better growth, nutrient utilization, feed conversion efficiency and also to lessen the feed cost.

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of incorporation of different level of walnut cake in concentrate mixture on in vitro dry matter degradation in order to determine its level of supplementation in ruminant ration. Materials and Methods: Walnut cake was used @ 0, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% level to formulate an iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively. The different formulae of concentrate mixtures were used for in vitro gas production studies using goat rumen liquor with wheat straw in 40:60 ratio. Proximate composition, fiber fractionation and calcium and phosphrous content of walnut cake were estimated. Result: The per cent IVDMD value of T1 and T2 diets was 68.42 ± 1.20 and 67.25 ± 1.37 respectively which was found highest (P