Quickly on this article, I will be writing on what is pig, breeds of pig, system of pig rearing, housing, feeding of pig, Disease of pig and control measures, and the Importance of pig.
What is Pig: Pigs are non-ruminant animals and they belong to the family called sudae. There are two main species of pigs – sus sacrofa and sus vittatus.
BREEDS OF PIG
- Large white
- Large black
- Duroc Jersey
- Poland China
- Tamworth
- west African dwarf pig
- Hamphire
- American landrace
- Belgium pie train
- Chester White
All the breed types are grouped into three classes: meat type, land type, bacon type. Pigs are reared mainly for meat, pig skin, Bristle and manure.
SYSTEM OF PIG REARING
There three systems of Pig rearing. These are: extensive, semi intensive and intensive system
EXTENSIVE SYSTEM: In this system of pig rearing, the pigs are allowed to roam about to fend for themselves. This system has little unknown capital investment and the cost of production is low. However disease incidence and worm infestations are very high. The animals are exposed to adverse weather condition.
SEMI-INTENSIVE: In this system of pig rearing, housing is provided for the animals and they are allowed to move out to feed on natural vegetation. Paddocks are provided around the house which is fence. Wallows are and shades are also provided. The animals are allowed to move about thereby, exercising themselves to prevent fat built up in the body. The system needs less capital investment but the labour requirement, disease incidence and parasite infestations are slightly high. concentrate feeds are also provided.
INTENSIVE SYSTEM: In this system of pig rearing, All the pigs are confined within a building and are not allowed to move out. The pigs are raised inside the pens on either concrete or iron slated floor. Feeds, water medications are supplied daily in adequate quantity and good sanitation is maintained. The system saves labour, provides condition for good management standard and easy control of internal parasite. There is also protection from extreme of climate predators and thieves. The feed efficiency is high, thus, the growth rate is also very high. The system requires high capital investment in terms of building and feeding.
HOUSING IN PIG FARMING
- Pig houses are shades which provides shelter against harsh weather as well as provide proper hygienic conditions requires to maintain healthy growth of the animals.
- Pig house should be constructed along the direction of the wind but should be far from residential areas.
- Pig house should have low walls made with bricks, Stones or concrete cement with low walls to allow free flow of air.
- The floor should slope towards the drain with a gradient of 1:40, to ease cleaning. The surface of the floor should be slightly rough to prevent pigs from slippering.
- The floor should be hard, impevious to water but easy to clean. It should be cement concrete, iron or concrete slabs.
- The roof should be made from either asbestos, galvanized iron or aluminum sheets.
- All pens, except farrowing pens are constructed the the same with the provision of feeders and drinkers.
- Farrowing pence in addition to the feeders and drinkers should have rail guards so as to prevent the sow from lying over the piglets.
- The following pens should also have creep area where the food of the piglets are kept. Such partition prevents the sow from eating up the nutritious food for the piglets.
FEEDING IN PIG FARMING
- Feed cost represent 70 to 80% of total cost of producing swine.
- Feeds given to all categories of pigs should be balanced in nutrients. ie. It should contain all nutrients required for growth and production.
- Breeders mash (15% protein) should be fed to breeders to prevent body fat deposition but keep them thrifty.
- Flushing of the breeder should be done 7 to 10 days before breeding and maintained until the animals are bred.
- Laxatic diet, rich in high fibers (grasses) should be given to inso to aid easy parturition and lactation.
- The young piglet should be given creep feed 22% protein as from 2 weeks of age to promote rapid growth of the piglets.
- As soon as the piglets are weaned they should be given weaners mash which contains about 18% protein for about 14 weeks at an average rate of 1 kg for a pig per day.
- The pigs are also fed on fatness mash 14% protein during the fattening stage when pigs do not require high proteinous Field. The pigs are fed at an average rate of 2 kg per pig in a day till they reach market weight of 60 to 90 kg at 7 months of age.
- Pigs being omnivorous animals can feed on kitchen waste, grasses, remains of hotel food and other by-product of brewery, dry waste, etc.
Diseases Of Pig and disease control on pig Farming
Brucellosis: Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by various Brucella species. It can affect multiple species, including pigs.
- Symptoms: Abortions, stillbirths, weak piglets, infertility, swollen testicles in boars.
- Control Measures: Vaccination, test and removal of infected animals, biosecurity practices.
Anthrax: Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. It primarily affects herbivores, but pigs can also be infected.
- Symptoms: Sudden death, bloody discharge, swelling, respiratory distress.
- Control Measures: Vaccination, proper disposal of carcasses, avoiding contaminated areas.
Swine Dysentery: Swine dysentery is a bacterial infection caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae.
- Symptoms: Diarrhea with blood, weight loss, decreased feed efficiency.
- Control Measures: Antibiotics, biosecurity measures, isolation of affected pigs.
Swine Fever: Classical Swine Fever is a viral disease caused by the Pestivirus Classical swine fever virus.
- Symptoms: Fever, lethargy, skin hemorrhages, abortion in pregnant sows.
- Control Measures: Quarantine, vaccination, culling infected animals, strict biosecurity.
Transmissible gastro-enteritis: This is a viral infection caused by a coronavirus and bacterium
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, high mortality in piglets.
- Control Measures: Biosecurity, good hygiene, vaccination.
Importance of Pig Farming
The following are the importance of pig Farming
- Food Production
- Economic Impact
- Waste Management
- Research
- Cultural Significance
- By-Products
- Fertilizer Production
Food Production: Production of Food is one of the importance of pig Farming. Pig farming is a significant source of meat, providing pork, bacon, and other products that contribute to global food supplies.
Economic Impact: Economic impact is an importance of Pig farming. This is a major industry, contributing significantly to the agricultural and economic sectors in many countries.
Waste Management: Pigs play a role in waste disposal by consuming organic waste, converting it into valuable manure.
Research: In this importance of pig Farming, Pigs are used in medical and scientific research due to their physiological similarities to humans, aiding in the development of treatments and understanding diseases.
Cultural Significance: Pig farming have cultural importance in various societies, often featuring in traditions, folklore, and culinary practices.
By-Products: Apart from meat, pigs provide other by-products like leather, which is used in various industries.
Fertilizer Production: Fertilizer is another very importance of pig Farming, Pig manure serves as a natural fertilizer, enhancing soil fertility for agriculture.