Pig farming in Kenya is one of the most popular animal husbandry practices and is often considered a strong source of income.
Pigs in Kenya are reared mainly for pork responsible for the manufacture of meat products like sausages, beacon and brawns.
It is a productive business venture since its production cost is low compared to other livestock businesses.
Pigs are well adapted to different climatic conditions and can be reared in different ways such as intensive, extensive or commercial systems.
Moreover, pigs usually need very little attention and are not labour-intensive. Farmers are also advised to choose the best breeds to keep from superior genetics for the most production output.
There are several breeds but the most common in Kenya include; the DanBred Landrace, the DanBred Yorkshire and the DanBred Duroc.
A farmer should consider the following to reap big from pig rearing by choosing the best breeds to keep from superior genetics for the most production output.
You can sell the pigs’ for pork after an average period of five and a half to six months with a maturity weight of 100 to 110 kilograms live weight.
When rearing pigs, a farmer should ensure they are involved mostly only in eating and sleeping. However, they should not be overfed as they eat less food.
Each pig eats about two kilograms per day in the morning and in the evening. The farmer is also advised to provide them with adequate clean drinking water.
While choosing proper breeds for your business, consider the following signs in the pigs; a pair of bright eyes, a glossy coat, alert and responsive to its surrounding environment, good temperament, good appeal to food, easy and normal movement, and free from lameness or any other unnatural signs.
While purchasing, ask the producer about their health information, production history and other records.
Pigs are very strong and they need well-built living quarters, good air circulation and shades are vital because pigs are very sensitive to temperature.
The housing structure should include a dark and well-lit area. A well-lit area to excrete and a dark area to rest and sleep.
A pigsty should be dry and cleaned regularly to keep off pests causing diseases.
Generally, adult pigs are very sensitive to hot temperatures and the piglets are affected adversely by cold temperatures. Thus, the controlled temperature can help to maximize growth and production.
Feeding is the most important part of the pig farming business. Good and nutritious food always ensure good production.
Pigs can eat and consume both meat and grains.
When it comes to breeding, most pig breeds have a gestation period of not more than 115 days.
Sows (adult female pigs) produce piglets twice a year and about 10 piglets each time.
Equally, most of the commercial pig breeds will become ready for marketing within 8 months of age.
According to Oxfam, if you buy a piglet when it’s 2 months old, it will be ready for sale within six months.
Profits per grown pig will range from Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 30,000. In order for farmers to increase their chances of making more profits, it is advisable for them to get into groups and sell in bulk.
A pig farmer can also do his/her own processing after inspection by a district Veterinary officer and then slaughter the pig or sell it.
Piglets and pigs should be vaccinated to keep them safe from diseases such as African Swine Flu which may affect their health and thus reduce production.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE