How profitable is pig farming depends on the level of productivity. Pig farmers in medium- and large-scale production have reported pig farming as a profitable enterprise. The World Health Organization and the UN have recognized pig farming as the most effective and profitable small business venture for overcoming poverty and malnutrition in poor communities. For a long time, pig farming has provided a living and a considerable source of income to many farmers across our country. Being a Third World War country, Kenya still struggles with economic crises. Therefore, investing in small business that yields profit within a short period such as pig farming is very important to the people of such a country rather than investing in long-term agribusiness that will give profit in the long run.
There are greater opportunities for farmers who are willing to invest in pig farming as an agribusiness. This is because there is still a high demand for pig products both in local and international markets. With that being said, you can consider venturing into pig farming, keeping in mind that the pig farming cycle is short and profitable agribusiness which takes around six months to complete.
Gaining experience in pig farming
However, as happens to livestock farming, in the first two years, you might not receive a considerable income. This is because as a new pig farmer, you may lack the necessary skills. New farmers may lack skills in various aspects of pig production such as breed selection, feed management, disease management, etc. However, in consecutive years will start making a profit as become more and more professional in pig management. As mentioned earlier pig farming is a profitable agribusiness world, providing a living to many farmers across the world. However, with the current strive for sustainable practices across the entire agricultural sector, pig farming faces a greater threat. This means that to be a successful pig farmer you need adequate piggery knowledge in all production sectors.
Before starting a pig farming business, it’s important to consider essential factors. Failure to comply with these factors can lead to total failure of your enterprise.
Here are a few tips to consider before starting your journey in pig farming.
The scale of production.
The number of pigs you are planning to keep on your farm is the most important factor to consider before starting your piggery. This is because the number of pigs you will keep on your farm will dictate;
- The type of structure you will construct.
- The cost of labour to employ.
- Level of management you need to employ on your farm. The term scale of production is a broad term that can classified into; small-scale farming, medium-scale, and commercial pig production depending on the number of pigs you are keeping.
How profitable is pig farming?
The minimum number of pigs a farmer can keep and make a considerable income depends on several parameters such as market price for the pig products, current feed prices, disease outbreaks and their management, and the level of your management skill.
Starting at a small-scale level is recommended for a beginner in the industry. Start with 2 to 4 weaners with an average weight of 20 Kg and rear them to maturity until they attain an average weight of 120 to 130 Kg. At the end of the cycle, you will have gained all the necessary knowledge and experience needed in pig management. After receiving adequate experience in pig farming you can double your flock in consecutive years. keep increasing your flock as you get more professional. Do this until you reach your full potential in pig farming. Farmers are advised to seek appropriate advice from experienced farmers and experts on how to be successful pig farmers as they increase their flock and expand their business.
Type of breed to keep.
The exotic pig breeds found in Kenya, namely the Large White, Landrace, and Duroc. They are known for their remarkable traits such as fast maturation and larger size compared to the local breeds.
Feeds: How profitable is pig farming?
Quality and nutritional feeding are other important aspects you consider before venturing into pig farming. Feed management is very crucial for every farmer as it takes up to 70 % of the total production costs in pig farming. Feed your flock with the right feed formulation at each growth stage for them to grow faster and stronger. To reduce the production cost you can work with nutritionists to create a balanced diet using locally available ingredients.
Market: How profitable is pig farming?
You should thoroughly research where to market your pig product well before venturing into a pig farming project. You should evaluate the market trend in terms of prices, demand, and the players in the market whether is direct sales or through intermediaries. As a matter of factors, farmers should avoid looking for the market when their pigs are already mature and waiting for the market. As a result of farmers waiting for the market when their pigs are mature, they can incur extra feed costs which will reduce the profit margin.
Where to sell your pig.
In Kenya, pig farmers sell grower and mature pigs in the informal market to slaughter slabs, slaughterhouses, or other farmers in their vicinity. Farmers can sell live pigs directly to brokers, or choose to sell at a prominent pork center. Primary pig buyers in Kenya include Farmer’s Choice Limited, Ndumboni Farm Slaughter House, Lyntano Slaughter House, and Kabati Slaughter House.
Cost of rearing pig from weaner stage to maturity
After weaning in the second month, piglets may consume 1-1.5 kg per day. Increase the amount to 2 kg, 3 kg, and 4 kg per day in the third, fourth, and fifth months, respectively.
Prior to reaching maturity, a single pig consumes between 320-350 kg of sow weaner and pig finisher feeds. This amounts to over Ksh. 17,500.00. The cost of feed typically varies based on location and quality. Some farmers choose to feed pigs with waste yogurt or milk to enhance growth.
In conclusion, the feeding cost for pigs for 6 months in Kenya is at least Ksh. 17,500.00. This cost excludes expenses for labor, medicines, and water. When factoring in these additional costs, the total sum exceeds Ksh. 20,000 in less than 6 months.
Farmers are increasingly opting for feed options to cut down on expenses. Examples of such options include wheat pollard, maize germ, maize meal, food waste, and waste yogurt
References
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