University of Queensland veterinary science student Tarni Cooper has discovered a way to mix philanthropy with seeing the world: improving production of pigs in Vietnam.
Her project, “A Blueprint for Sustainable Small-Holder Pig Production in Central Vietnam”, aims to improve the genetics of local pig breeds to maximise the efficiency of production and reduce health problems.
Along with swine medicine lecturer Dr Kit Parke, Ms Cooper is currently in Vietnam for six weeks to assist in the annual farm audit and create educational materials for distribution to the farmers.
Ms Cooper said she was driven to participate in the project because of her interest to apply the skills and knowledge she has learned in the classroom and she encouraged her classmates to do the same.
“By participating in this project I have learned more than what is possible in the classroom,” Ms Cooper said.
“I strongly urge other students to approach lecturers about research projects that appeal to them, as there is a world of opportunities available to us.
“My experience in Vietnam has allowed me to apply my knowledge about pig farming within socioeconomic constraints, development practice and the culture and language of Vietnam.”
The materials produced as part of the project will be used to implement the new research through a “train the trainers” approach, extending the new knowledge and skills to veterinary extension workers, commercial piggery managers and selected small-scale pig farmers.
The project is the result of collaboration between UQ, the South Australian Research and Development Institute and the Department of Primary Industries Pig Health and Research Unit in Bendigo, Victoria, Vietnam’s National Institute of Veterinary Research, National Institute of Animal Husbandry and Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry.
Media: Erin Pearl at the Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Veterinary Science (07 5460 1229, 0409 265 587, e.pearl@uq.edu.au)
