INTRODUCTION
Most people are very successful in the pig farming commercial business because it is one of the lucrative business around the world. It is regarded as a beneficial venture because the pigs are prolific breeders which are able to deliver off about ten to fourteen piglets in a single birth. Hence as prolific breeders, the livestock in the farms rapidly increase in number within a very short period of time. Pigs are also known for their fast growth rate.
Pig meat also has an excellent demand in the market due to its taste and it is a source of protein, pig fat, skin, hair, bones, and among others.
For one to be successful in the pig business, one needs to have knowledge of the different breeds of pigs as well as their management. It is also advisable to seek help from a professional or take a pig training course to know more on this subject.
Scientific Classifcation of Pigs
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Suidae
Subfamily: Suinae
Genus: Sus
Economic importance of pig rearing
Pigmeat has big-time demand in both export and domestic market.
Pig fats is often used as feed for poultry.
Byproducts of pig such as sausages, ham, lard, also have good worldwide market.
Managment and setup of commercial farming of pigs are not difficult.
Pigs are very good breeders and have a higher growth rate
Expensive housing or huge investment is not required for pig faming.
Who can start a Pig-Farming Business
Quick answer: Anyone
It is good for both the formally uneducated and educated.
It is a good-fit for those who want to venture into small-scale farming.
It can be taken a part-time or full-time job.
Women in the agricultural sector can also try their hands on this venture
In order to commence a successful comercial pig farming business, the individual or group needs to have rudimental knowledge in the proper schedule for feeding the pigs, safe housing,heat detection and mating, porper care for the young ones(sows), proper hygienic conditons of the pen, early weanig, and many more.
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Choosing Site For Commercial Pig Farming:
The location must be pollution-free.
It is advisable to choose a location with better social amenities like good roads, electricity, etc.
The location should be close to a veterinary facility.
Selection locations with easy access to laborers.
It is also advisable to choose a location with close proximity to the market.
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Housing for Pig farming.
Proper housing and equipment must be in place before putting the animals in them.
The structure should be able to protect the pig from adverse climatic conditions, parasites, diseases, and many others.
The housing facility for the pigs should be well ventilated.
The floor of the house should be rough surfaced, and covered with straw to keep the pigs warm during cold periods.
Always keep the house clean and dry.
Proper draining channels should be in place to dispose of any effluents.
A 3 by 3-meter pen can be built under village conditions
The walls of the houses should be 4-5 feet high above the ground.
Regularly disinfect the pens when pregnant pigs are kept.
Shades should be provided during long-lasting sunshine sessions as pigs can overheat at times.
Clean water must be available to the pigs
Some of the various breeds of pig include the Hampshire, landrace, Indigenous, Knight houses, Spotted, Yorkshire, Poland China, and many more. However, the best pig breed for commercial purpose is the White Yorkshire.
Selection of Commercial Pig Breeds
The White Yorkshire Pigs.
The selection of breed is very vital to the success rate of any pig farming business. It is, however, advisable to take along a veterinary personel along side at the period of breed selection so that disease free and healthy pigs can be selected. Pig breeds which weigh approximately 85-90 kg should be selected. Gilts, female pigs, from sows which farrowed and weaned large litters consistently should be selected as well. The breeds should be bought from certified dealers. If possible acquire the complete records of the pigs' history.
A good boar (male) that weighs between 85-90kg would be a good type to select.
The following factors need to be considered while selecting a breeding stock of pigs.
Litter size of pigs, Milking ability of pigs, Temperament of pigs, Strength and vigour of litters are some of the important factors to consider when selecting the pigs. Feed intake, generally,should depend on the weight and age of the pig.
source: agrifarming.in
Breed Management
Pig breeds are usually mature enough for breeding when they are 240-275(8-9months) days old, and usualy weugh about 90-100kg at the time they're being bred. Male piglets(21-25 days old) are castrated when they are not chosen for breeding.
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The image below shows the commercial chart for pig breeding
source: agrifarming.in
Feed management
Good feed enables the animals to gain much quick weight in the commercial pig farming venture. Feeding of the pigs should be scheduled. Fresh and clean water should be served alongside uncontaminated pig feed. Feeds include rice, maize, wheat, millets etc. Supplementary feeds like oil cake, fishmeals can also be served to the pigs. It is also advisable to sometimes mix antibiotic with the feed with instructions from a professional veterinary personnel.
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Care and management precautions
Care should be taken to prevent any unhealthy diseases and conditions by maintaining proper hygiene, etc
Newborn piglets must be vaccinated against swine fever when they are 60 days old.
Also regular deworming must be practiced.
The pen and shelter for the pigs must be washed out and cleaned should there be a breakout of disease. Some ordinary pig diseases include Pneumonia, Tetanus, Bacterial infection, Overheating, Swine flu, Diarrhoea etc.
Marketing
Pigs can be sold to slaughterhouses and wholesale dealers once they reached marketable weight. Pork meat also has excellent demand, hence they can be even sold at the farm's gate.
I certainly hope this publication serves as a useful guide to starting a commercial pig farm.