Basics of Pig Farming

According to “academicjournals.org”, local pig production in Ghana can be characterized as a semi-intensive system, with farmers typically raising crossbreeds. Even though pigs naturally grow in the wild, they have been domesticated over several decades, mainly for their meat and commercial purposes.

Pig farming, unlike many other forms of livestock rearing, guarantees over 100% profit due to the high prolific rate of pigs. A sow can produce between 6 and 15 piglets at birth, making it a lucrative venture.

When starting a pig farm, you need to consider the type of system you want to run. There are three main systems to choose from:

• Intensive System: Pigs are completely housed and taken care of.
• Extensive System: Pigs have unlimited space and are not housed.
• Semi-Intensive System: Pigs are housed but have an area where they can go out to feed.

Just like any other business, you need to assess the availability of resources. For pig farming, you will need land and funds to start. As a beginner, you may consider starting with backyard farming. The amount of money and land size required will depend on your personal capabilities. My advice is to start small and scale up as you gain experience.

Before starting your pig farm, decide on the breed you want to raise. You can consult with an extension officer or other local farmers for guidance. Whatever breed you choose, ensure that the gilt (female pig) is in good health with all 12 teats fully developed.

Unlike poultry, pigs are very resistant to a variety of diseases, which results in a much lower mortality rate. However, it’s essential to maintain a clean farm and employ the services of a veterinary officer to ensure the pigs are vaccinated against diseases like swine flu on time.

Feeding pigs is relatively simple and flexible. Pigs can eat variety of food, including kitchen leftovers, cassava, fufu, etc. You can also buy pre-made feed from milling shops or agricultural input suppliers. Alternatively, you can prepare your own feed after receiving proper training.

Now, since you’re in business to make money, it’s important to plan your sales strategy. Once your pigs are ready for the market, start forming partnerships with local meat vendors, restaurants, hotels, and cold storage operators to ensure you have a steady market for your pigs. You can also consult other local pig farmers to determine the best prices for selling your pigs.

Before beginning any pig farming activities, please note that a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required for construction. Healthy pigs are productive, and for your business to be lucrative, pigs must be free from hunger, thirst, and pain.