It’s already a fact that pig farming is a very lucrative business, according to testimonials from farmers and available statistics.
Researchers have revealed that you can start raking in millions of naira barely six months after commencement. A piggery owner at Oke-Aro, Ogun State, Mr Osoba said you could sell a few numbers of your mature pigs at once and purchase a car of your choice.
“Pig farming is a money-spinning business,” he maintained.
Copious pieces of literature by agribusiness experts and writers corroborate Osoba’s assertion. When well run, pig farming can guarantee 15-35% returns on investment.
This is essentially so because pigs litter in multitudes. A few population at start may lead to even an over population withing just eighteen months. A well-fed sow will produce at least 10 piglets (litter) from each pregnancy and may have 2 litters each year.
However, many pig farmers have burned their fingers in the business or have not experienced any significant growth despite the ample years they might have spent on the venture. What could be the reasons?
The under-listed issues are mostly responsible:
Inadequate capital:
it’s found that many starters in pig farming are usually blinded by the high-profit prospect of the business and never wait to garner sufficient capital before starting. They easily get carried away by the impressive returns earned by successful pig farmers within a short time. This has proved fatal for a host of them as the business demands a deep pocket to make it profitable. Osoba said pigs eat like horses and that within a month, feeding expenses could run into a million naira. Construction of pens, regular large feeds needs and veterinary care among other expenses that make it a capital-intensive business.
Inadequate housing and space:
Rearing of pigs is said to require adequate housing provision and a spacious place. A report published by Bivatex revealed that “overcrowding not only hampers the pigs’ ability to express natural behaviours but also negatively impacts their growth rates and reproductive performance.” According to the publication, farmers should invest in well-designed pig housing facilities with high consideration for space, proper ventilation and hygiene. “Additionally, incorporating features like sloped floors for efficient waste drainage and sturdy partitions to prevent aggression among pigs is crucial. Regular cleaning and proper waste management practices are essential to maintain a healthy living environment, reducing the risk of diseases, and ensuring the overall well-being of your pig herd,” the report read.
Feeds and nutrition:
As mentioned earlier, pigs consume foods a lot and they desire high-quality ones in the required measurements to be healthy and productive. According to the report, “Inaccurate or inadequate feeding can result in stunted growth, reduced reproduction rates, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Collaborating with a qualified nutritionist is vital to formulate a well-balanced and nutritionally complete diet tailored to the specific needs of each growth stage.”
Susceptibility to diseases: Pigs are reputed to be highly susceptible to diseases. Therefore, any slack in monitoring and preventive application of medication can be fatal because diseases spread easily among pigs if not promptly attended to. Also, strict biosecurity measures such as limiting access to the farm, enforcing proper sanitation practices, and conducting routine health checks for incoming pigs are necessary. In the event of any infection, quickly identify the affected ones and quarantine them while administering comprehensive treatment.
Breeding issues:
Part of the issues which lead many farmers in the piggery business to cost inefficiency and low productivity are poor breeding practices. This requires skills and experience because mistakes can easily be made in the areas of breeding stock selection and maintenance of proper breeding schedules. This not properly done can lead to smaller litter sizes and slower growth rates.
To address this, according to Veterinary Consultant Dr. Mwato Moses, you need to prioritize selective breeding by choosing high-quality breeding stock with desirable traits, including good growth rates, disease resistance, and reproductive performance.
“Establishing a well-defined breeding program aligned with the specific goals of your farm is essential. Regular monitoring of the reproductive health of pigs, including timely interventions for fertility issues, can significantly enhance breeding efficiency. Implementing a strategic breeding approach contributes not only to the overall health and robustness of the herd but also ensures the genetic improvement necessary for sustained success in pig farming,” Moses added.
