Piggery production is a very profitable livestock business venture any determined individual can partake in. Among the various livestock species, piggery is the most potent source for meat production. Making the animal favorable specie in animal husbandry is the fact that pigs are more efficient feed converters than for example goats or broiler chicken. Hence, if properly managed, the farming business has a definite guarantee of higher profit returns to respective farmers.
Why Pig Farming Is Profitable?
Starting a piggery is a very profitable venture and the market is constantly rising. The process of raising the pigs is fairly simple as the pigs mature in a fairly short time, have a higher feed conversion efficiency. Feeding the pigs is also easy because they consume almost all types of feeding. Pig farmers also guaranteed of a demand for more than just pork. Pig fat also has a huge demand in poultry feed, paints, soap, and chemical industries. This makes the business result in a good break even ratio with a rewarding return on investment ratio (ROI).
However, for one to partake in this business there is need to secure land, adequate capital and a thorough understanding of your target market. With enough effort and investment, one can start a commercial piggery project for profits and in this article we share the top 8 things you need to start the business.
1. Have An Appropriate Business Plan For Your Piggery Project
A business plan is the most important business tool you will need prior to starting the piggery production business. A business plan is as important to any business undertaking as a plan is key to the construction of any building. A business plan gives a snapshot of your company and will be useful in raising funds and better managing the growth and development of your piggery business.
In essence, a business business plan will consist of the executive summary, the company`s objective, market analysis, management, and operational requirements as well as the subsequent financial projections. Although it may sound like a daunting task to draft one, it may be surprising to note that coming up with a business plan is as simple as writing your idea on paper. When you do, it should be in a manner that is meant to persuade a bank or individual to invest in the business venture.
A comprehensive business plan typically explains in detail how you intend to make use of all the resources available to you. It must also contain the security arrangements you intend to put in place to protect the farm and the business from theft and disasters.
2. Find the Best Location To Set Up Your Pig Farm
Another important factor in piggery is the need for an ideal location to setup all the necessary infrastructure. The location should be far away from a residential area and approved by relevant local authorities. Usually you will be furnished with a certificate to start production if the chosen space is regarded as compatible with the project.
An environment that is free from pollution, disturbing noise and is gently sloping may be considered as an ideal location for piggery production. In such an environment, you are guaranteed to have pigs that have enhanced health and development characteristics. Water supply should also be considered as well as transportation costs to and from your farm. This will have a bearing on how profitable your farm will be.
3. Find A Genetically Superior, Highly Productive And Disease Resistant Pig Breed
The most common pig breeds for commercial pig production in Zimbabwe are Yorkshire (also known as Large White), Mukota, Landrace, Duroc, among many others. These breeds are efficient in feed conversion and some are more common in the market because of lean meat. It is ideal to find a breed that matures faster and is relatively resistant to diseases. You should understand that some commercial breeds are more prone to suffer more from an unfavorable weather and low-quality feed. Hence it is key to consult with animal specialist so that he/she ma recommend the best breed for your production area. It is key to use only a commercially viable breed.
4. Construct A Well Structured, Safe And Secure Piggery House
Constructing a piggery house can be achieved cheaply by using locally available materials. An ideal pig sty should be well ventilated, has enough shade and provides some outdoor space for the pigs roam freely. Material used in constructing the pigsty should be able to prevent overheating, bad smells, draft and dampness. In essence, an ideal pigsty is constructed according to climatic conditions and the pig production system to be adopted by the farmer.
Pigs go through different stages of development as they grow to meet market demands. As a result, when constructing the pig building, it is essential to create partitions that divide it into different pens suited for each phase in the production cycle. The actual size and number of the subdivided pens will depend on the expected numbers of pigs to be housed per production cycle.
5. Secure Adequate And Nutritious Pig Feed
Commercial piggery is dependent on finding the right feed to give to the animals. On the Zimbabwean market pig feed is on five classes which are; creep meal, creep concentrate, grower meal and finisher concentrate, boar and dry sow meal as well as lactating/brood sow meal. Each of these feed classes is designed to provide your pigs with right amount of nutrients to support sound development. In some instances you might opt to complement commercial feed with unprocessed ingredients. In this regard you should always consult a qualified animal nutritionist for guidelines. However, on the list of some natural ingredients with the ability to influence overall animal health and growth ratio are grains, maize, wheat, rice, sorghum, and other millets. Protein supplements to be added include oil cakes, fish meals, and meat meals. An individual pig will also require approximately 10 liters of fresh clean water daily over 6 months hence water need to be budgeted accordingly.
6. Have A Well Designed Breeding System
The breeding system for pigs can be designed by understanding the basic biological facts about pigs. Both the boar and the sow become suitable for breeding within 8 months from birth. Within this time their weight should reach about 100 to 120 kg. The heat period of the sow lasts for 2 to 3 days. The first day during the heat period of gilts is the best time to breed whereas the second day is best for the sow. A sow becomes suitable for breeding again after 2 to 10 days of weaning. The gestation period for pigs is not more than 115 days and a sow can give birth twice a year producing about 8 to 12 piglets each time.
7. Ensure Proper Care & Piggery Management
As with every animal husbandry business, taking care of the actual animals is essential. In piggery, caring is more crucial when the sow is in the gestation period as well as for the piglets. It is important to uphold the highest biosecurity standards to ensure that the farm is kept free from all diseases and health problems.
Pigs also require proper vaccination and de-worming exercises to keep them as healthy as possible. In this regard you should always consult a qualified vet to ensure that you have adequate supplies.
8. Have A Solid Marketing Plan
A marketing plan is crucial and should be developed either before starting or as soon as your pigs are approaching market age. The marketing plan should always be according to the respective farm size and how you can sell mature pigs at profitable and competitive prices. Some of the customers you might want to consider include abattoirs, butcheries, restaurants and other meat processing centers near you.
