Pig Farming

By The PFFA

In this Article...

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

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