Pig Farming

Farming
Written By Vikki Ede

BY THE PFFA

Keeping pigs is easy and profitable. Pigs are adapted to a variety of climates, and raised throughout the world. It’s an easy and profitable business. 

The top advantages of starting a pig farming business:

  • Proven commercial track record

  • Higher feed to meat conversion efficiency

  • They can convert all types of inedible feeds into valuable, nutritious and delicious meat

  • A sow can breed at 8-9 months and farrow twice a year, and in each farrowing they can give birth to 8-9 piglets

  • Setting up a small scale pig production business is relatively easy

  • The ratio of meat to body weight is higher (60-80%)

  • Pig meat is tasty, nutritious and higher in fat and energy

  • Pig manure is a great fertiliser and widely used in crop production

  • Pig fat is not a waste product. It has high demand in poultry feed, paints, soap and chemical industries

  • Depending on the breed, a pig reaches slaughtering weight within 7 to 9 months

  • Pig meat already has a good market

  • Commercial production is highly profitable

  • Great employment source for rural people

How to Start Pig Farming Business

Farm Land Selection

  • Select a very good location away from residential areas

  • A noise and polution free place

  • Availability of clean and abundant fresh water

  • Good transportation essential

Make An Effective Business Plan

  • Helps to run the farm smoothly

  • Ensures maximum profits

  • Shows planning for the future

  • Enables investors to see the benefits of helping

Select the Right Breed

  • Choose breeds which are available in your area

  • Consult with existing producers

  • Learn about benefits and problems which are breed specific

  • Popular commercial breeds are britishpigs.org.uk/breeds 

Housing

  • House with suitable shelter protecting from adverse conditions

  • Ensure sufficient air flow and light inside

  • Ensure the boar, farrowing, weaners and dry sows are separated

Feeding pigs – of paramount importance:

  • Feeding pigs with good quality food – helps them grow better and faster

  • Feed different aged pigs separately and feed them according to their age and weight

  • Basic ingredients:

    • oats

    • grains

    • maize

    • wheat

    • rice

    • sorghum and other millets

    • protein supplements like oil cakes, fishmeal and meat meal

    • pasture and fresh green legumes negates necessity for antibiotics

    • Clean fresh water

Body Weight of Pigs Daily Required Food (kg) Per Pig: 

25    2.0
50    3.2
100   5.3
150   6.8
200   7.5
250   8.3

Breeding Pigs

  • Pigs are naturally very good breeders

  • They will breed easily if you keep a good ratio of sows and boars

  • Both boars and sows become suitable for breeding within 8 months of age

  • A sow’s fertile period  lasts for 2 to 3 days

  • The first day during the heat period of a gilt (new mum) is the best time to breed

  • The second day is the best day for a sow

  • A lactating sow become ready for breeding again 2-10 days after weaning

  • Gestation period of pigs is no more than 115 days

  • A sow can give birth to piglets twice a year, and have about 8-12 piglets each time

 
 
 
Vikki Ede https://the-pffa.org
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