You can visit our previous write up on art of pig production here. Below are pratical guide to assist your journey in pig farming.
Getting Started: Key Questions to Ask
- Do I have access to clean water and land?
- Is there a market for pork in my area?
- Can I manage pigs daily (feeding, cleaning, checking health)?
- What capital or support do I have to start?
2. Housing: Build for Ventilation & Comfort
Requirements:
- Well-drained land (avoid water-logged areas).
- Concrete floor with a gentle slope for drainage.
- Roofing with good shade (zinc or thatch).
- Ventilation with open sides or wire mesh.
- Pen Size:
- Grower: 1.5–2 m²/pig
- Sow: 3–4 m²
- Boar: 4–6 m²
Bonus Tip: Use bamboo or wood if on a low budget, but protect against rain and rot.
3. Choosing the Right Pigs
Start with healthy piglets (8–12 weeks old) from a trusted farm.
Recommended Breeds:
- Large White / Landrace: fast growers.
- Duroc: heat-tolerant, meaty.
- Crossbreeds: mix local + exotic for toughness + performance.
Tip: Avoid buying from open markets. Check for:
- Clear eyes
- No coughing or diarrhea
- Active and eating well
4. Feeding for Growth
Pigs need balanced diets with energy, protein, vitamins & minerals.
Common Feeds (local options):
Ingredient | Use |
---|---|
Cassava peels (fermented) | Energy |
Maize bran / Rice bran | Energy |
Palm kernel cake | Protein |
Brewer’s grain | Protein & fiber |
Soybean meal | Protein |
Kitchen scraps | Supplementary |
Salt + Premix | Essential minerals |
Feeding Schedule:
- Piglets: 3x daily
- Growers: 2x daily
- Water: Always clean & available
Tip: Mix your own feed or buy commercial feed if affordable.
5. Pig Health Care
Basic Routine:
- Deworm every 3 months (e.g., Albendazole)
- Vaccinate if available (especially for swine fever, erysipelas)
- Disinfect pens weekly
- Keep sick pigs separate
Watch for:
- Coughing: may be pneumonia
- Diarrhea: may be infection or poor feed
- Not eating: check for fever or worms
Tip: Link with a local vet or extension officer.
6. Breeding & Reproduction
- Sow maturity: 6–7 months, 90 kg+
- Gestation: 114 days (~3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days)
- Litter size: 8–12 piglets
- Weaning: 4–6 weeks after birth
Tips:
- Keep records of mating & farrowing.
- Provide soft bedding for piglets.
- Use iron injections for piglets at 3–5 days.
7. Waste Management
Options:
- Dry bedding + composting for manure
- Biogas (if scale is large)
- Wash waste daily to prevent odor and disease
Tip: Turn waste into organic fertilizer for crops.
8. Marketing Your Pigs
Start scouting for customers before your pigs are ready.
Sell to:
- Local butchers
- Restaurants/hotels
- Neighbors & events (weddings, festive seasons)
- Online meat sellers
- Process your own pork (if allowed)
Tip: Sell at 90–100kg (5–6 months) for best profit.
9. Cost Estimate for Small Starter Farm (5 Pigs)
Item | Cost (₦ / $ estimate) |
---|---|
5 piglets | ₦100,000–₦125,000 |
Housing materials | ₦150,000–₦200,000 |
Feed (3 months) | ₦180,000 |
Vet + medicines | ₦30,000 |
Water & misc. | ₦15,000 |
Total Estimate | ₦475,000–₦550,000 |
10. Success Tips
✅ Start small and grow gradually
✅ Keep records (feeding, health, breeding)
✅ Join a farmer group or co-op
✅ Use solar or borehole water if possible
✅ Train your staff or family helper
Final Words
Pig farming in the tropics is profitable—but only for disciplined, patient, and record-keeping farmers. Whether in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, or the Philippines, a well-run piggery can be a game changer for rural families and agribusiness startups.