I have two Non-NLer friends currently joining resources to start a pig farm. Both are in full-time employment. No previous piggery experience.

One of them suggests buying piglets, fatten them up and sell off after about six months. That way, a single full-time employee will do, at least for a start. Both will lend a hand after work and on weekends. About 40 to 50 piglets to begin with.

The other prefers breeding piglets so that they can sell off some of them and fatten some up. That way, the business will grow quicker. He thinks they can manage about 10 to 15 sows for a start.

What do gurus in the house think?

Thanks.

@areafada2:

It all depends on your taste and your budget. There are many things involved in breeding pigs. Less stress in fattening. All you need in fattening is routine practices and at the end of the 7th month, you harvest and sell.

Breeding is a different ball game. You don't automatically have your expectations met. I saw a big sow(like 70kg) in a big farm yesterday and the sow gave birth to just one piglet after eating and drinking their food for almost 4 months. Some can have moralities after farrowing, the mother may even die. Pregnant pigs eat a lot and you will need competent hand in administration of drugs so that they won't be adversely affected. Taking care of aggressive dam(mother pig) is not easy. Piglet teeth nipping, iron injection, deforming, antibiotic administration may need alittle more care.

All this are simple things if you are knowledgeable or have a competent attendant. But if not, please have a second thought and choose the former.

All will be well.

Go start your biz!

TheUnbeatable:
@areafada2:

It all depends on your taste and your budget. There are many things involved in breeding pigs. Less stress in fattening. All you need in fattening is routine practices and at the end of the 7th month, you harvest and sell.

Breeding is a different ball game. You don't automatically have your expectations met. I saw a big sow(like 70kg) in a big farm yesterday and the sow gave birth to just one piglet after eating and drinking their food for almost 4 months. Some can have moralities after farrowing, the mother may even die. Pregnant pigs eat a lot and you will need competent hand in administration of drugs so that they won't be adversely affected. Taking care of aggressive dam(mother pig) is not easy. Piglet teeth nipping, iron injection, deforming, antibiotic administration may need alittle more care.

All this are simple things if you are knowledgeable or have a competent attendant. But if not, please have a second thought and choose the former.

All will be well.

Go start your biz!

Very insightful Sir. Thanks a lot. Although I'm not the one starting it. I'm in the process of setting up a poultry now.

AreaFada2:
I have two Non-NLer friends currently joining resources to start a pig farm. Both are in full-time employment. No previous piggery experience.

One of them suggests buying piglets, fatten them up and sell off after about six months. That way, a single full-time employee will do, at least for a start. Both will lend a hand after work and on weekends. About 40 to 50 piglets to begin with.

The other prefers breeding piglets so that they can sell off some of them and fatten some up. That way, the business will grow quicker. He thinks they can manage about 10 to 15 sows for a start.

What do gurus in the house think?

Thanks.

I'm thinking in this direction. Which option was finally chosen?

From my experience, you have to take both routes. Breeding in-house will guarantee piglets availability and bio-security in the long run. In the short term, you can buy piglets to raise to market size.

Note piggery has a long gestation period to profitability and pls be careful on the partnership( e no concern me sha).

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