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Breeding and Reproduction Management

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    Breeding and Reproduction Management By Big Pig Market — Updated 2025 Pig breeding is the foundation of every successful swine enterprise. Whether you run a backyard herd or a large commercial unit, understanding how pigs reproduce, mate, and farrow determines your productivity and long-term profit. Breeding management combines science, observation, and animal-care skill to ensure that each sow produces healthy litters at regular intervals and that every boar remains fertile and active. 1. Introduction to Pig Breeding In modern pig production, breeding is more than pairing males and females. It is a structured process that includes selecting superior parents, planning mating schedules, managing pregnancy, and caring for piglets after birth. Efficient breeding shortens the farrowing interval, increases litter size, and improves feed-to-meat conversion ratios. Average well-managed sows can farrow 2.3 litters per year with 9 – 12 piglets each. Proper heat detectio...

PIG FEEDING DETARMINATION

Pig Feeding Determination A Comprehensive Global Guide Understand how to calculate, design and manage pig feeding programs that maximize growth, improve feed conversion, and increase farm profitability. This global guide covers nutrient requirements, feed composition, stage-based rations, feed formulation methods, cost calculations, and practical examples. Table of Contents Introduction — Why Feeding Determination Matters Essential Nutrients & Feed Components Feeding by Growth Stage Feed Formulation & Calculation Methods Feeding Management Practices Costing, Profitability & Feed Efficiency Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting Modern Innovations & Sustainability Conclusion & Practical Checklist Further Reading & References Introduction — Why Feeding Determination Matters Pig feeding determination is the process of deciding what to feed , how much , and when for pigs at different stages of life and production goals. Feed ac...

TYPES OF PIG FEED

Pig Feeding: A Complete Global Guide to Efficient Nutrition and Growth Pig feeding is one of the most important aspects of successful pig production worldwide. Whether for smallholder farmers in rural villages or large commercial farms supplying urban markets, feeding determines growth rate, reproduction success, meat quality, and overall farm profitability. In fact, feed accounts for nearly 70–80% of total production costs, making it the single largest expense in pig farming. Understanding how to feed pigs efficiently can make the difference between a profitable and a struggling enterprise. This comprehensive guide provides practical insights into the science and art of pig feeding, covering all major growth stages, nutrient requirements, feed formulation, management practices, and cost control strategies. The goal is to help farmers globally produce healthier, faster-growing pigs using both commercial and locally available feeds. 1. Importance of Proper Pig Feeding Feeding ...

BREEDING MANAGEMENT

Breeding Management in Pigs Proper breeding management in pigs is essential for achieving high productivity, healthy piglets, and profitability. In Kenya, where pork consumption is steadily increasing, efficient breeding techniques help farmers maximize returns while ensuring animal welfare. 1. Selecting the Right Breeding Stock The foundation of successful pig breeding lies in selecting healthy boars and sows with desirable traits such as high fertility, good mothering ability, rapid growth rate, and disease resistance. Farmers should source breeding pigs from reputable farms to avoid introducing genetic defects or diseases. 2. Breeding Age and Weight Sows are typically ready for breeding at around 8 months of age, weighing 90–100 kg, while boars can be used from 8–9 months. Breeding pigs too early can lead to complications, while late breeding can reduce productivity. 3. Heat Detection Recognizing heat (estrus) signs is vital for successful mating. Common...

Introduction to Pig Farming

Introduction to Pig Farming Pigs are social animals and, as such, tend to do best when kept in pairs or small groups. However, even the most well-meaning farmer cannot always provide ideal living conditions for their pigs. As a result, health issues are common in pig herds. The good news is that many of these health issues can be dealt with relatively easily if they are caught early. The following is a list of some of the most common health problems faced by pigs: * Coughing and sneezing: This is usually caused by a cold or the flu. Pigs can catch these viruses from other animals (including humans) or from contaminated surfaces. The best way to prevent your pigs from getting sick is to make sure they have plenty of space to exercise and plenty of clean water to drink. If you think your pig might be sick, take it to the vet right away. * Diarrhea: This is another common problem in pigs, and it can have many different causes. It is important to keep an eye on your pig's stool and con...

PIGLETS FROM THE FIRST DAY OF BIRTH

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 PIGLETS FROM THE FIRST DAY OF BIRTH Piglets Monitoring from the first day of birth Piglets should be monitored from the first day of birth to ensure their health and well-being. This includes monitoring their weight, temperature, and general health. It is important to check for any signs of illness or injury, such as diarrhea, coughing, or labored breathing. Piglets should also be monitored for signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes or dry skin. Additionally, it is important to check for any signs of parasites, such as lice or mites. Finally, it is important to monitor the piglets’ environment to ensure that it is clean and free of any potential hazards. IRON INJECTION MOST IMPORTANT IN PIGLETS SHOULD BE GIVEN FIRST INJECTION IN DAY 3 AND DAY 21 FROM THE DAY OF BIRTH  PIGLETS MEDICATION  Piglets require special care and attention to ensure their health and well-being. Medication is sometimes necessary to treat illnesses or prevent disease. Common medications used for ...

MOST AND COMMONLY DESEASES IN PIG FARMING

MOST AND COMMON DESEASES IN PIG FARMING    African swine fever How to prevent African swine fever in pig farm 1. Practice strict biosecurity measures: Implement strict biosecurity measures on your farm, such as requiring visitors to wear protective clothing, disinfecting all equipment and vehicles entering the farm, and limiting contact between pigs and wild animals. 2. Vaccinate your pigs: Vaccinate your pigs against African swine fever. Vaccines are available in some countries, but they are not always effective. 3. Monitor your pigs: Monitor your pigs for signs of African swine fever, such as fever, loss of appetite, and coughing. If you suspect your pigs Foot and mouth (FMD)  Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including pigs. It is characterized by fever, blisters, and lesions in the mouth and on the feet. FMD can cause severe economic losses in pig farming due to reduced productivity, increased mortali...

PIG FARMING CHALLENGES

 1. Investment:   One of the major challenges faced when starting a pig farm is the significant investment that is needed to get the business off the ground. This can include purchasing land, getting the required infrastructure in place, buying pigs and equipment, and procuring feed. 2. Skyrocketing Feed Costs: Feed is one of the greatest cost associated with pig farming and the cost can vary greatly depending on the type of feed and ingredients used. This cost can be high and unpredictable, and can greatly affect the profitability of a farm. 3. Disease Prevention: Pigs are highly susceptible to infections and disease due to their living environment and nutrition. It is important to take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of the pigs in order to prevent any outbreaks and to maintain healthy numbers. 4. USDA Regulations: Having to meet and exceed the guidelines set by governments can be difficult and costly for pig farms. Meeting state and federal requirement...

PIG FARROWING PROCESS

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  Pig Farrowing process The Complete Guide to Pig Farrowing: From Breeding to Weaning Introduction to Pig Farrowing Pig farrowing refers to the birthing process in pigs, specifically when a sow (adult female pig) gives birth to a litter of piglets. This critical stage in the reproductive cycle is fundamental to commercial pig farming success. Effective farrowing management not only ensures a higher survival rate of piglets but also guarantees the sow’s health and readiness for subsequent reproductive cycles. Farrowing typically occurs approximately 114 days after conception, which is often remembered using the mnemonic "3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days." Within this window, every action taken—ranging from nutrition and housing to health monitoring—affects the outcome of farrowing. In commercial and backyard systems alike, understanding farrowing is key to achieving sustainable pork production. This comprehensive guide outlines every step of the pig farrowing process, from pre-br...

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