Strategies for Successful Pig Farming:
Nutrition
Feed is the biggest cost factor in pig production and can amount to 60 to 80 % of the total cost of production. Correctly fed pigs will ensure:
● efficient reproduction and growth
● efficient feed utilisation
● good-quality meat
● maximum profit for the farmer.
Pigs must therefore be fed the correct quantity of the right feed mixture. The nutrient requirements, especially digestible energy and protein, of the various production classes differ. These production classes include:
● boars and pregnant sows
● sows with piglets
● young pigs, three to 10 weeks old
● growing pigs up to slaughter at a live weight of 60 or 90 kg.
Feed mixtures can either be bought or the farmer can mix them himself. The latter is less expensive but it is important to consult an expert on how to mix the feedstuffs that have to be included in the mixtures for each of the production classes.
The various feedstuffs must be weighed off correctly before mixing.
Feed mixtures for each of the pig classes must contain the right quantities of the following nutrients, namely:
● digestible energy (DE)
● proteins
● minerals
● vitamins.
Four different mixtures must be used.
Feed sources
Grains
● Grain constitutes between 55 and 70 % of the total feed mixture.
● The grain in a mixture provides mainly energy (between 60 and 80 % of the total DE in the mixture).
● Although grain is mainly an energy source with a low protein content, it also contributes substantially (30 to 60 %) to the protein content of the mixture.
● Maize is used as a grain source in pig feeds because it is high in DE and low in protein and therefore used mainly as an energy source.
● Grain sorghum has a nutritional value similar to that of maize. Provided sweet sorghum (low tannin) varieties are used,sorghum can be substituted for maize on an equal basis in feed mixtures.
● Feed-grade wheat, when available at a cost not exceeding 20 % above that of maize, can also be used. The protein content of wheat is usually higher and the DE content lower than that of maize. Using wheat in stead of maize in feed mixtures could lead to considerable savings in protein costs. Wheat must always be coarsely ground when used for feeding pigs.
● Barley is included mainly as a grain source in the Western Cape. It has a higher fibre content and a lower digestible-energy content than other grain types. Barley should not comprise more than 70 % of the grain component of a mixture.
● Oats can be used but not more than 40 % should be included in mixtures for growing pigs and 60 % or less in a mixtures for finishing pigs.
Grain by-products
● Grain by-products such as wheat bran, maize bran, maize leaves, maize-stalks and maize-cobs are used to dilute the DE content of the mixture. Brans have a protein content higher than that of grains and are also relatively inexpensive.
● Wheat bran is the most popular DE diluent used in pig feeds. It is usually cost effective and has a laxative effect in pigs when seasonal shortages occur, other diluents such as maize bran, maize leaves, maize-stalks, maize-cobs and lucerne can be used.
● Hominy chop, a by-product from the maize-milling industry, can be used when available at a reasonable price. It is a product that can vary a great deal depending on the miller it is bought from. It is higher in fat content than maize and can be used as a partial replacement for maize.
Plant protein sources
Oilcake meals
Soya-bean oilcake meal and sunflower oilcake meal are plant protein feedstuffs usually included in pig feed mixtures. Soya-bean oilcake is of a higher and better quality protein and contains considerably less fibre than sunflower oilcake.
Full-fat oilseeds
● Full-fat soya-bean and sunflower seed meals have a high oil content. The oil results in soft fat in pig carcasses.
Therefore, the inclusion of these two feedstuffs, if fed in combination with maize, must be limited in rations for finishing
pigs. Full-fat soya-beans must be heat treated before use to destroy a substance (trypsin inhibitor) which reduces the growth rate of pigs.
Lucerne
● Lucerne is also used as a DE diluent in pig feed mixtures. It has a high fibre and low DE content. Therefore, the inclusion of lucerne in feed mixtures for pigs must be limited. Lucerne also varies much in composition depending on the growth stage when cut, and on the extent of leaf loss during drying and baling.
Animal protein sources
By-products of the animal and fishing industry can be used as animal protein sources for pigs.
Fishmeal
Fishmeal is the most frequently used and best protein source to include in feed mixtures. It also has a high DE content.
Blood and carcass meal
● Bloodmeal has a very high nutritional value. Do not, however, use more than a maximum of 5 % in feed mixtures because it is unpalatable. It becomes burnt easily during processing, which has a detrimental effect on the quality of the proteins.
● Carcass meal can vary a great deal in composition and quality because manufacturers use different products and processing methods. Heat damage during processing can downgrade the quality of the proteins in carcass meal.
Calcium and phosphorus sources
● Feed lime is a good calcium source and is not very expensive, but it contains no phosphate.
● Monocalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate and bone meal are usually included as sources of phosphate. These sources also contain calcium, but in smaller quantities than feed lime.
Waste products in pig feed mixtures
Waste products must be used with great caution in pig rations.
● Kitchen refuse and byproducts from the bakery and other food-processing industries may contain toxic substances such as excessive quantities of salt and other additives which can be harmful to pigs.
● Even hard objects such as pieces of broken glass, which can injure the pigs, are sometimes found in waste products.
● These products are usually high in moisture (water) content and therefore have a very low nutritional value when fed in a wet form.
● Only use waste products in an air-dry form.
● Use a flat cemented area in the sun for drying the waste.
● Remove any undesirable material from the waste when it is spread out on the cemented area. After drying, grind the waste in a hammermill. The milled meal can then be used to replace part of the milled meal when mixing pig rations.
● Before using the waste-product meal it is advisable to have it analysed for protein, fat, fibre, calcium and phosphate content by an analytical laboratory. Thereafter it is important to get the advice of a pig nutritionist on how much of the dried waste meal must be included in a pig ration.
Feed requirements of the different production classes
Breeding pigs
Boars
● Boars must be kept in a good condition, which means that they must not be too lean or too fat.
● Feed the boar 2 kg/day of a sow-and-boar mixture (MIXTURE 1)
● If the boar becomes too lean/thin give it a little extra feed per day and slightly less when it becomes too fat.
Dry and pregnant sows
● After sows are weaned (piglets removed from the sow) until they farrow (have their next piglets) a sow-and-boar
mixture (MIXTURE 1) is provided at a rate of 2 kg/day.
● Make sure that the sow remains in a good condition during this period.
● Like the boar, the sow must not become too lean or too fat.
● Increase or decrease the quantity of feed slightly when necessary.
Lactating sows (sows suckling piglets)
● Sows with piglets are fed a lactation mixture (MIXTURE 2).
● A sow with a large litter of piglets must produce enough milk to rear them properly.
● The sow should loose as little weight as possible while suckling her litter to remain in a good condition until the end of the lactation period. This will ensure that she comes on to heat within seven days after weaning with an excellent chance to again produce a large litter.
● On the day that the piglets are born sows are usually not interested in feed. Provide 2 kg of feed the next day and gradually increase the quantity up to a maximum at about seven days after farrowing.
● The maximum quantity fed will depend on the number of piglets in the litter. A sow in good condition should be fed 2
kg plus 0,4 kg/piglet in the litter. A sow with 10 piglets should therefore receive at least 6 kg of feed per day. Feed the
sow more than the recommended quantity if she is willing to eat more to prevent weight loss during lactation.
● The daily quantity of feed can be provided in two equal portions mixed with water early in the morning and late in the
afternoon. Sows take in more feed when it is mixed with water.
● Fresh clean water is very important and must be available to the sow and piglet at all times.
Young pigs (three to 10 weeks old)
● A feed mixture for creep-fed and weaned piglets (MIXTURE 3) is provided to piglets from the time they start eating at
3 weeks of age until they are about 10 weeks old and weigh between 25 and 30 kg.
● Piglets eat very little before they are weaned. Solid feed can, however, be provided to piglets
before weaning. Always feed it in a dry form and make sure the trough is placed where the
sow cannot reach it. Feed is expensive, therefore restrict wastage to a minimum.
● Provide MIXTURE 3 when the piglets are weaned.
● Feed must always be freely available in a dry meal form.
● Use an efficient self-feeder to put the feed in and make sure that as little feed as possible is
wasted.
● Pigs must now eat as much as possible to ensure quick growth.
Growing pigs (10 weeks old up to slaughter)
● Fast-growing pigs that will produce a good-quality carcass with a high meat and low fat percentage, can be fed as
much as they will eat of MIXTURE 4. Dry meal fed in an efficient self-feeder must therefore be available to the pigs at
all times.
● They should also maintain maximum intake to ensure quick growth so that they can reach a marketable weight as soon as possible.
● Fresh clean water must be available at all times. Keep feed and water as far apart as possible to prevent the feed becoming wet.
Feed mixing and feed mixtures
● It is less expensive to mix your own feed than to buy it ready mixed.
● Follow the correct procedures when mixing own feed (feedstuffs must be accurately weighed and well mixed).
● Make sure that all the feedstuffs required for the mixture are available and bought at the best price possible.
● Store the bags of feedstuffs you buy as well as the mixed feed in a dry place.
● Mix the feed by hand using spades on a hard, smooth and preferably cement floor.
● The different mixtures must be stored undercover before use.
● Availability and cost must be taken into consideration when deciding on the feedstuffs needed for specific mixtures for each of the four production classes.
● Seek expert advice in formulating the mixtures before mixing, should it be necessary to change any of the feedstuffs to be used.
Initial feed requirements
It is important to note that pigs are only sold 11 months after the first pigs were introduced onto the farm. You must therefore have enough money to buy the necessary feed for the pigs until an income can be generated from selling them.
Young sows, bought when six weeks pregnant (8 to 12 months old), should produce two litters of 10 piglets each during their first 11 months on the farm. To feed the sow and the pigs she produces will require about 4,5 tons of feed for the 11 months until the first pigs are sold. Boars eat about 2 kg of feed per day and therefore 660 kg of feed is required to feed a boar during
the first 11 months.
Production cost
Feed cost
Feed is always the biggest cost factor on a pig farm and amounts to between 60 and 80 % of the total production cost.
Everything possible must therefore be done to keep feed cost as low as possible.
It is important to:
● use well-balanced feed mixtures that are mixed for specific pig groups on the farm (for example creep feed for piglets and a growth mixture for growers)
● prevent feed wastage.
save on feed cost by mixing your own feed
● buy feed ingredients at the lowest possible price
● Farm with good-quality pigs that have the ability to produce pig meat with a low fat content and can therefore utilise their feed efficiently.
Other costs
These include:
● Labour
● Transport
● Fuel
● Veterinary costs
● Medication
● Washing detergents
● Slaughter fees
● Repairs and maintenance
● Replacement animals
Feed requirements
It is important to know how much feed is required for your pigs. Feed is the biggest cost factor on the farm (60 to 80 %) and
therefore the most expensive cost item. The total quantity of feed that must be fed to the different pig groups must be known if
a profit is to be made.
On a well-run pig farm with good-quality pigs kept under good farming conditions the following guidelines can indicate to the
farmer whether the performance of his pigs is adequate.
Sows
● During the dry and pregnant period 2 kg/day for 285 days 570 kg
● During lactation 8 kg/day for 56 days 448 kg
Boars
2 kg/day for 365 days 730 kg
Piglets
About 80 g/day for 28 days (1,5-7 kg for 0-28 days of age) 2 kg
Weaners
About 800 g/day for 42 days (7-25 kg for 28-70 days of age) 34 kg
Porkers
About 1,6 kg/day for 40 days (25-50 kg for 70-110 days of age) 64 kg
Finisher pigs
About 2,6 kg/day for 50 days (50-90 g for 110-160 days of age) 130 kg
Feed required per pig marketed in one year (kg)
Suppositions: Each sow weans 20 marketable pigs per year
Each boar serves 15 sows per year
Sow (1 000 kg/20 piglets): 50
Boar (730 kg/20 piglets/15 sows/boar): 2,4
Piglet: 2
Weaner: 34
Porker: 64
Finisher: 130
Total 280
These figures are approximate estimates and can vary between 270 kg or less and above 300 kg.
In conclusion, it is very important that feed mixtures meet the protein and DE requirements of the specific production class.Therefore, do not change the feedstuffs or the quantities used in a mixture without consulting an expert on pig nutrition.
Pig Farming Marketing & Sales Strategy
1. Direct Sales vs. Commercial Slaughter
Consider selling pork directly to consumers, local markets, or supermarkets, which may offer higher margins but require extra logistics and branding efforts. Alternatively, selling to slaughterhouses may provide a more stable income stream.
2. Branding
If selling directly to consumers, branding your farm can differentiate your products. Highlight aspects like organic feeding, humane animal treatment, or antibiotic-free meat to appeal to conscious consumers.
3. Diversification
Besides pork meat, you can explore other income avenues such as:
- Selling piglets
- Breeding stock
- Processed products (e.g., bacon, sausages)
4. Market Channels
Explore different sales channels to reach a broad audience:
- Supermarkets
- Local butcheries
- Farmers' markets
- Online platforms (e.g., farm-to-consumer websites)
5. Community Engagement
Build relationships with local communities by hosting farm tours, engaging on social media, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Consumers are more likely to support farms they feel connected to.
Common Challenges
1. Disease Management
Diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF) or PRRS can severely impact your herd. Preventive measures, quick detection, and proper biosecurity are essential to keeping diseases at bay and avoiding devastating losses.
2. Market Fluctuations
Pork prices can vary seasonally or due to changes in supply and demand. To mitigate this risk, consider having multiple revenue streams (e.g., breeding stock, processed products) or maintaining a financial cushion for tougher periods.
3. Labor Requirements
Pig farming can be labor-intensive, especially for large-scale operations. It may become necessary to hire and train additional staff, which adds to operational costs. Ensure proper training and management to improve farm efficiency and reduce worker turnover.
Labor Requirements in Pig Farming
Pig farming, especially on a commercial scale, can be labor-intensive. Efficient labor management is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of the farm, maintaining animal welfare, and achieving high productivity. Below are key labor requirements and considerations for pig farming:
1. General Labor Needs
- Farm Workers: Depending on the size of the farm, you’ll need a team to perform tasks such as feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and handling waste. For larger farms, more specialized roles may be necessary.
- Shift Work: Pig farming requires 24/7 attention, especially if you're running a large operation. To ensure proper animal care, workers may need to be scheduled in shifts (morning, afternoon, evening) to cover all hours.
- Seasonal Labor: Pig farming can be busier during certain times of the year, particularly during farrowing (birth of piglets) and weaning. Having seasonal workers during these peak times can help reduce the workload.
2. Key Roles in a Pig Farm
- Farm Manager: The farm manager oversees all aspects of farm operations, including budgeting, staff management, animal health, and compliance with regulations. A manager may also be responsible for marketing and sales strategies.
- Animal Caretakers: These workers focus on the well-being of the pigs. They are responsible for feeding, cleaning, checking for signs of illness or distress, ensuring that pigs have access to fresh water, and maintaining housing conditions.
- Veterinary Technicians or Veterinarians: Pig farms often require veterinary support to monitor animal health, perform vaccinations, administer medications, and treat sick animals. In large operations, a dedicated vet technician may handle routine health checks.
- Breeding Technicians: If breeding is part of your operation, a specialist may be required to manage the mating process, track genetic lines, monitor reproductive health, and assist with farrowing.
- Feed and Equipment Operators: If you're using automated feeding systems, these technicians ensure that the system is running efficiently, clean, and in good repair.
- Waste Management Personnel: Pig farms can generate large amounts of waste, requiring proper management. Workers may be responsible for cleaning manure pits, handling compost, or operating waste management systems like biogas plants.
3. Skills Required
- Animal Husbandry Skills: Workers need to be familiar with pig behavior, health management, and breeding practices. Training in animal welfare is essential to prevent injuries and illness.
- Equipment Handling: From feeders to waste management systems, employees need to be able to operate and maintain equipment effectively.
- Health and Safety Knowledge: Farm workers must understand the proper handling of animals to minimize risks to both animals and people. This includes knowledge of biosecurity measures, such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment, and controlling disease spread.
- Record Keeping: Staff should be able to keep detailed records of animal health, breeding cycles, feed consumption, and growth rates.
4. Labor Efficiency and Automation
- Automated Systems: Automated feeding, monitoring, and waste disposal systems can help reduce the need for manual labor. However, these systems require trained operators and maintenance staff.
- Farm Management Software: Implementing farm management software can reduce administrative labor by keeping track of data such as feed consumption, animal health, breeding cycles, and financial management. This software also helps in planning and scheduling.
5. Labor Challenges
- High Turnover Rates: Pig farming can be a physically demanding and low-wage occupation, which can result in high staff turnover. Offering training, good working conditions, and competitive wages can help retain employees.
- Health Risks to Workers: Pig farms can expose workers to a variety of physical risks (e.g., lifting heavy feed bags, working in confined spaces) and health hazards (e.g., zoonotic diseases like swine flu). Proper protective equipment (PPE) and health protocols are necessary.
- Managing Labor Costs: Labor costs can constitute a significant portion of operational expenses, particularly on larger farms. Optimizing labor efficiency through training, automation, and technology can help reduce costs.
6. Training and Development
- Regular Training: Providing workers with training on animal welfare, farm machinery operation, health and safety, and biosecurity will improve farm efficiency and productivity.
- Workforce Development: Training in business and financial management for farm managers can also be valuable, as it helps with better planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
7. Outsourcing and Contractors
Some pig farms may choose to outsource specific tasks, such as veterinary services, waste management, or marketing. Contractors can provide specialized knowledge and help reduce the burden on farm staff.
8. Work Environment
- Comfortable Conditions: Creating a safe, clean, and supportive work environment is key to maintaining morale and productivity. Workers should have access to adequate rest areas, clean uniforms, and safe equipment.
- Incentives: Offering performance-based incentives, such as bonuses for meeting production goals or improving animal health, can motivate staff and improve farm output.
Summary
Labor is a critical factor in the success of a pig farm. Proper staffing, skilled workers, and effective management are necessary for achieving high levels of productivity and ensuring the welfare of the pigs. While automation and technology can reduce the demand for manual labor, the role of workers—especially those with animal husbandry skills—remains central to the day-to-day operations of a pig farm. Additionally, managing labor costs, reducing turnover, and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment are all important aspects of farm management.
Conclusion
In summary, labor is a crucial component of successful pig farming. The right mix of skilled labor, efficient management, and modern technology can significantly enhance productivity, animal welfare, and farm profitability. By carefully planning labor needs, providing proper training, and utilizing automation, pig farmers can create a sustainable and efficient operation. Moreover, addressing challenges such as high turnover rates and health risks can help maintain a stable workforce and foster a positive working environment. Ultimately, investing in labor efficiency and worker well-being is essential for the long-term success of any pig farming operation.
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