Pig Farming - What you need to know before you start

 

 Strategic

1. Make sure you can finance all the expenses until your first pigs are ready to sell.
2. There are regional advantages to some farmers e.g. in Gauteng maize is plentiful and there is easy market access.
3. Do not farm with pigs in the swine fever area – this has market limitations and one could lose all your stock.
4. Ensure that you know which permits you need to have in your area.
5. New Farmers should fist visit two or three successful commercial farmers to obtain advice and join a study group in their area.

Marketing

1. Make sure there is someone who is going to buy your pigs and pay for them.
2. Decide which type of pig you are going to sell: (1) Weaners, (2) Porkers, or (3) Baconers
3. Consider starting farming by first buying weaners and growing them out to baconers (phase 1). If this is successful, move on to breeding. (In Europe, many farmers are specialist “growers”. They do no breeding).
4. Records are important.
5. Tattoos are compulsory.

Breeding

1. Decide what type of pig will suit your farm best.
2. Don’t buy other people’s problems.
3. Plan a programme that is going to fit your resources. This will include (1) Cash (2) Feed (3) Housing
4. Breeds to think about: Large White, SA Landrace, Duroc, Kolbrook

Housing

1. Pigs must be kept warm in winter and cool in summer. Basic protection against sun and cold does not have to be expensive.
2. You will need to choose: indoors or outdoors or both.
3. Well-insulated buildings should be erected; concrete floors are a must, for health and hygiene.
4. Effluent disposal must be planned, good drainage is needed. Contamination of streams or rivers is not allowed.
5. Remember: mothers and babies are special and need extra care

Welfare

1. Pigs in pens are entirely dependent on their care givers for all their needs.
2. Pigs must be protected against thirst, hunger, pain, fear, extreme heat and cold, and diseases.

Health and disease

Three common problems:

1. Malnutrition – food is too little, too watery, rotten or toxic
2. Scours (diarrhoea) in young pigs
3. Mange: itchy diseased skin – pigs of all ages

Biosecurity

1. Diseases are spread mainly by pigs, people, bad food, vehicles, workers. Control access to the pigs.
2. Protect your pigs with:

• pig-proof fence (good fences pay!)
• locked gate
• healthy replacement stock
• no speculators on site

3. Disinfection must be well done.
4. Transport vehicles must be clean.
5. Never feed swill from restaurants or harbours or food that contains animal tissues.
6. Use the help that is available from veterinarians, nutritionists, animal scientists.