Pig farming has over time developed into one of the country's most important agricultural enterprises.
The reason for this
success is that pork is the most popular meat for most people, accounting for
at least 38 percent of the world's meat production. Pig farming here in Kenya
is also a relatively simple task compared to other types of livestock farming.
You can choose to raise pigs as a small business that provides the food and
nutrients your family needs or raise pigs for commercial purposes.
 |
| pig farm (image source: pixabay) |
Pig farming has proven to be a profitable business, generating huge profits with just
a few months of investment. Successful pig farming today requires not
only capital investment but also prior knowledge of pigs. It doesn't matter if
you are just starting out or have already started, everyone will learn
something from this guide to pig farming. In this text, you will learn
everything you need to know about smart pig farming in Kenya, and by the end of
it, you will be able to decide if pig farming is worth it.
Advantages of Pig Farming
Pig farming is very popular because it has many advantages compared to other
livestock farming. Below are some of the benefits that have been identified
from data on pig farming.
- Pigs naturally have a high feed conversion rate, which allows them to gain more live weight from their feed. In fact, pigs grow second only to chickens, and chickens grow faster than other animals. After 8-9 months, the piglets are fully grown and ready for sale.
- Pigs are very fertile creatures with a gestation period of approximately 115 days. Sows, also called sows, give birth twice a year, with each litter giving birth to 8-10 piglets. Therefore, he can start with two animals but can reach several animals in a short time.
- Pigs are easier to breed because they eat almost everything: food scraps, fodder, and agricultural waste. This reduces food costs. Another advantage is that pig farming in Kenya offers a high return on investment (ROI). Mindfulness means you can start with less money and soon go to the bank with a smile on your face. Pig farming is possible in Kenya because most regions have suitable climatic conditions for pig farming.
- Huge demand for pork that is sometimes unmet. This means that you have a market at your disposal and do not have to worry about where to sell your pigs or sell your products. Pork is known for its high nutritional value and, unlike other meats, it has a high fat content, low moisture, and high energy content. In addition, it is rich in vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, and thiamin.
- Pig manure is sold separately and can be used as fertilizer for crops and as food for fish in ponds. In addition, most companies require that the fat accumulated in pigs be used for processing paints and soaps, among other things.
- Finally, anyone can decide to start a small pig farm to meet their family's daily nutritional needs or for business purposes. In addition to my current job, I can also work part-time as a pig farmer. Is pig farming profitable in Kenya? As mentioned earlier, pork products are in high demand in both domestic and international markets.
Where to buy the best pigs?
If you want to stock your pig farm, get it from the nearest local pig farmer and ensure you don't do inbreeding.
How pig farming a profitable farm initiative:
You need a purebred boar and a pregnant gilt. The price of an adult boar is in the region of ksh 45,000 if the cost of a pregnant sow is ksh 60,000. The cost of three pigs to start your farm will cost you about ksh 165,000 assuming an average price of ksh 50,000 per pig. The gestation period of pigs is 3 months, Your two pregnant sows will give birth to at least 22 piglets, increasing your community herd to 25. In Kenya, pigs take 5-7 months to mature. You now have 22 pigs for sale. In addition, you can buy weaned piglets from your neighbors. They cost around 5,000 ksh. A herd of 22 would cost you ksh 110,000.
 |
| pigs resting(image source: pixabay) |
As you'll see, you'll
make cash-raising pigs. But like every other shape of trade, you want to do
your inquiry to know what is needed and what to do when confronted with the
challenges of pig farming.
In this area, we
are going into the conversation around variables that must be considered after
you begin pig cultivating.
- We suggest you start small: since on the occasion that something breaks from the establishment; it doesn't have an uncommon impact that will totally knock you out. After that, check the free space. A few pigs require less space and vice versa. During expansion, keeping numerous pigs in a little region isn't sustainable since it increases the spread of infection, which leads to higher mortality.
- Market research: Do individuals in the zone eat pork or Are you close to a butcher? What are the genuine convictions of the individuals living within the zone? Keep in mind that Muslims do not eat pork. Therefore, it would be a loathsome thought to establish a pig cultivate in such a thickly populated Muslim region.
- Choosing the correct breed: there are many pig breeds reasonable for commercial pig farming. Among them, there are both neighborhood and cross-breed combinations. When choosing the correct pigs, select those that are idealize for farrowing since they convey strong piglets. The profitable breeds in Kenya are Incredible White, Duroc, Landrace, Hampshire, and Yorkshire. Fitting raising structures Pigs are raised in piggeries.
- When building the piggery: you would like to form beyond any doubt there's sufficient space for the pigs. You must separate the pork pie into four parts; settlement, party area, squander range, and extra commercial space. Since pigs are muddled, select concrete pens rather than mud. Moreover, beyond any doubt, the pork is warm, as pigs have little lungs, which makes them inclined to pneumonia. You too require an isolated range to confine the wiped-out pig so it doesn't taint others. To diminish the spread of the infection, it is critical to guarantee that the pigs are continually clean.
- Pig Nourishment: Sustenance is fantastically imperative for weight pick-up in pigs. Pigs eat an assortment of foods, from meat, grain, kitchen scraps, cooked table scraps, and vegetables. Make beyond any doubt the nourish is tall in protein, vitamins, and other supplements so they can create speedier.
- How much capital is required for pig farming: Given you have land and pleasantly created pens, all you need to do is get pigs. You begin by buying two pregnant sows for 50,000/= each, which implies you wish for the greatest of 100,000/= in add-up. In this case, an additional 50,000/= is required for transportation and nourishment costs. In around four months, sows are permitted to give birth to 8-12 piglets; this can be how you increment the number of pigs. After that, they ought to as it were take seven months to create and be prepared for exchange or another breed.
- Training: Challenge of Pig Farming in Kenya is not knowing the challenges that they may face when raising pigs hence through training and workshops they can be well equipped with skills and knowledge to run the farm. This can prepare farmers to meet the challenges to minimize their impact if not completely solve the problem.
challenges of pig farming
Lack of Feed : As already mentioned, pigs need to be fed enough to gain weight accordingly. However, frequent feed shortages in some parts of Kenya, such as western Kenya, have stunted growth and made the pig trade impossible.
Inadequate water supply: To help pigs, especially fatty adult pigs, withstand high temperatures, make sure they have access to clean water in addition to nutritious feed. However, in areas with low water supplies, this can be a problem as the fat from the pigs is lost and is no longer available for market, or is a complete loss if the pigs die from dehydration. Therefore, make sure your pigs have access to clean water. This helps keep the animal healthy and this is reflected in your bank account.
Religious traditions and practices: one of the biggest challenges in pig farming relates to religion. Muslims are prohibited from eating pork and pork products. Therefore, starting pig farming in coastal areas where most people are Muslim is not a profitable business.
Parasite Infestation and Disease: Most pig breeds are susceptible to parasites. As a result, quality decreases as pork size decreases.
Red Meat Quality: Another challenge most pig farmers face is not having the quality of pork that the market demands. Changes in climatic conditions and changes in feeding behavior can affect the final quality of pork. Therefore, it is not enough to meet the market demand.
Pig Farming and Marketing :
are you wondering where you can sell your pig products? well, pork, sausage, and bacon are in high demand across the country, but supply is limited. Therefore, if you decide to start raising pigs, the market is definitely available. In both rural and urban areas, there are a variety of butcher shops, supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants that specialize in selling pork. Pork is an essential delicacy at social events.
Additionally, pork is becoming increasingly popular when groups of friends get together to socialize and enjoy meat. Compared to other types of meat, pork customers in this country prefer to eat almost a kilogram of pork when they gather to eat this delicacy.
Kenya
Farmers' Choice Pig Farming is another trading company where farmers can sell
their pigs, as they buy around 500 pigs every day. Trading companies similar to
Kenya Farmers' Choice include Limuru's Olive Enterprises, Pig farmers can also sell their fattened pigs to local
slaughterhouses.
Pig Farming Success Story
There are many wealthy pig farmers. One. Michael Wanyonyi
is one of the leading pig producers certified by Farmers Choice.
When he started raising pigs in 2010, Wanyonyi had no experience in raising
pigs. Wanyonyi decided to take advantage of the farmer's opportunity and report
and after learning a few tricks, started farming with an initial stock of six
pregnant sows purchased from Farmer at kSh 60,0000 each.
Let us take a fast see at a few realities almost pig farming. Pig farmers must deworm their pigs every month to guarantee that the pigs are free of parasites and malady.
Piglets must be breastfed for two months. On the off chance that you have a pig and are not utilizing it for mating, castrate it to dodge squandering vitality-chasing sows.
Once you begin raising pigs, you will be able to recoup your introductory speculation in two seasons. That is around 1 month. So if it is not too much trouble be persistent.