Pig Farming

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