Fifteen teachers from Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) recently took part in a week-long training program across the pig production cycle at a major Chinese agricultural and livestock company based in Jiangxi province.
Led by Peng Guiqing, leader of HZAU's College of Animal Science & Technology, the team first visited the company's headquarters in Nanchang. They toured smart pig houses, research laboratories, a digital exhibition hall, and a university-industry research institute for the pig sector.
The teachers then divided into two groups and worked at standardized pig farms in Shanggao, Jiangxi province, and Huoqiu, Anhui province, respectively. Under the guidance of biosecurity specialists, they learned about entry testing, disinfection procedures, and controls on personnel movement between biosecurity zones.
The teachers received hands-on training throughout the pig production cycle, covering breeding management, phased feeding, herd transfers, farrowing assistance, piglet care, and creep feeding. They met with farm veterinarians to discuss vaccination programmes, procurement, facility inspections, and the handling of pigs showing signs of illness.
The program aimed to connect academic knowledge with practical industry applications, address real-world production challenges, and enhance teaching and research by fostering stronger collaboration between universities and industry.

HZAU teachers tour a smart pig farm to learn about its facilities and production processes. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]