THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A SUCCESSFUL PIG FARMING
Pig farming in Kenya is a lucrative venture. It is the raising and breeding of domestic pigs for different purposes, primarily for meat production. Its a significant sector in the agriculture industry globally, with pork being one of the
most consumed meats worldwide. Here are some key aspects of pig farming:
Selecting pig breeds
Selecting the right pig breeds is crucial for the success of your pig farming operation, as different breeds have distinct characteristics suited to various production systems and market demands. Here are some factors to consider when
selecting pig breeds:
Production purpose: Determine the primary purpose of your pig farming operation. Are you primarily raising pigs for meat production, breeding stock, or specialty products such as heritage pork or show pigs? Select breeds that are well- suited to your production goals and market niche.
Meat quality: Consider the meat quality attributes desired by consumers in your target market, such as tenderness, flavor, marbling, and color.
Growth rate: Evaluate the growth rate and feed efficiency of different pig breeds. Choose breeds that exhibit rapid growth and efficient feed conversion to maximize productivity and profitability.
Adaptability: Consider the adaptability of pig breeds to your local climate, environmental conditions, and management practices. Some breeds are better suited to intensive confinement systems, while others thrive in free-range or pasture-based systems.
Market demand: Research market demand for pork products and identify preferred pig breeds among consumers, processors, retailers, and specialty markets. Choose breeds that align with market preferences and trends to maximize market acceptance and profitability.
Disease resistance: Evaluate the disease resistance and resilience of different pig breeds to common health challenges such as respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and parasites.
Feeding
Pig should be fed 18% crude protein. Farmers should not feed pig table scraps and garbage. For this farmer may befall in danger. To farming, the pig should give the lettuce and other vegetables, but meat products are not appropriate. If the farmers give meat products the pig will put on too much fat and it will decrease the profit.
Pig should feed around 20-30 kilos of feed a day.
Housing
Housing is a critical aspect of pig farming, as it provides shelter, protection, and a conducive environment for pigs to thrive. To consider proper environment situation is very important to farming pig successfully. To farm pig farmers should make a pollution free environment. The pig industry needs a particular location. Without careful management of waste products, it may be very dangerous problem for child pig. It is a great and profitable process to make manure from the disposal of the pigs. It is very useful for agriculture. The environment of the outside and
inside should protect all times because it is very essential to farming pigs. Inside environment is important for their health. The farming area should be made clean and dry. During the cold month, a heat lamp must be put and kept out of the north wind and south winds. Farmers should use straw as bedding during the winter. During summer season, it is very need that the pig has a place to lay in mud in the pen. If the pigs sweat or stay in a dry environment pigs will lose 10-20 Kgs a day. So, always farmers should conscious about the pig’s health and always try not to
sweat them.
Barn or hut
Pig farming in a barn is generally easy. Farmers should use concrete to make a barn for pig farming. It is very necessary to keep the pigs inside the farm. Farmers should make the floor slope so that the water can be used to clean the barn easily. Farmers should separate the feeding area to the rest area for cleaning it easily. At
least 10 feet deep and 10 feet wide area is perfect for every two pigs. The rest area should be half the size of the feeding area with a pool where they can bath and the pool should be at least 5 feet.
