Pig farming in Nigeria is lucrative because pork meat is in high demand in the Nigerian market and also due to the fact that pig reproduces quickly and in great number.
Pig farming is also referred to as piggery.
One pig can reproduce roughly fifteen piglets at a time. Pig is, thus, the top world’s reproductive active livestock.
Despite the money-spinning ability of pig farming it is not widely known in Nigeria and a few farmers who engage in pig farming are smiling daily to their banks.
If you are looking for a viable agro investment, pig farming may be a good place to start.
We have provided in this article guidelines on how to set up your own pig farm in Nigeria.
Advantages Of Pig Farming In Nigeria
Owing to a piggery in Nigeria is attached with a lot of benefits.
First, pork meat is highly in demand, especially in the Southern parts of Nigeria. Secondly, it is an aspect of livestock rearing that is not widely pursued by Nigerian farmers hence making it very easy to enter into the business without having to worry about lots of competitors.
Thus, a few farmers in the business are banking money that will feed them and the generations to come.
Some other benefits of starting a pig farm in Nigeria are listed below.
Feeding Is Relative Cheap
Pigs can survive and even reproduce more on cheaper food sources like rice bran from breweries, roughage, kitchen garbage, and agricultural waste.
Low Capital
Rearing pigs does not require a huge capital investment. Although this depends on the size of the farm you want to establish.
Good Source Of Protein
Pork meat is a source of valuable protein which is essential for proper and normal functioning of the body system.
Swift Reproduction
Pigs reproduce faster and in larger numbers than any other livestock in the world.
The growth rate of pigs is faster than other common livestock like cows or goats. A sow (female pig) commonly reproduces two times every year and at each reproduction period with roughly fifteen piglets.
The gestation period for pigs is only 115 days and this makes it easy for a farmer to move from small-scale pig farming to large-scale farming within a short period of time.
Favorable Climate Condition
The climatic condition of Nigeria is favorable for pig farms since you don’t need to artificially heat up your pig farm or cool it down sometimes. Both heating and cooling cost money which can be spent on other things to improve your pig farm.
Great Returns (Very Profitable)
Pig farming in Nigeria is a very lucrative business that ensures great ROI (Return on Investment) within a short space of time.
Disadvantages Of Pig Farming In Nigeria
- Doesn’t bring returns fast.
- Pigs are prone to various details if not handled properly.
- Very dirty work.
- Could cause serious environmental hazards e.g air pollution.
- Getting healthy profitable pig breeds is not easy.
Materials Needed For Pig Farming In Nigeria
1) Secure A Good Site
You need a suitable plot of land to be able to engage in pig farming in Nigeria.
The plot of the land you want to acquire will depend on the size of the farm you want to establish.
The higher the number of pigs you intend to rear, the more the size of the land you will need to acquire.
When you have secured your land, divide the land into different plots. The different plots will ensure that pigs of roughly the same age mate and are raised up together.
If you are rearing indoors, divide the pen into different rooms.
Piggery should be established far from residential areas because of the smelly nature of the farm.
The choice of the location to establish your piggery will be determined by the following:
- The area has to be close to the market.
- It has to be established close to a good source of water for cleaning and sanitation purposes.
- The land must be far from residential places and with a good road network that leads to the farm.
- Must be very close to the market.
- The proximity of the farm to the required sources of food has to be taken into consideration.
- Ease of access to a veterinary service professional/expert.
2) Choice of breeds
After choosing suitable farmland based on the factors outlined above, it is significant to choose the right pig breeds to rear. The breed of your pig to a great extent determines your profitability.
It is better to purchase local and hybrid piglets. If you are going for the commercial crossbreed, try to buy crossbreeds of exotic and local breeds.
These types of crossbreed pigs eat more food and grow faster and healthier than other breeds of pigs.
3) Housing
Pigs can be raised both indoors and outdoors in pens.
Wide and spacious pens are very vital important if you want your pigs to be healthy and free from diseases, injuries, and contaminations because pigs could be very rough in their day-to-day life.
You also need to make plans for at least a pool in each pen for your pigs to play swim and cool off their bodies as this is necessary for the well-being of any pig.
Also, remember to add a proper drainage system where dirty water can be removed from the pens as this dirty could harbor disease-causing microorganisms and insects which in turn will affect the pigs negatively.
Generally, the best way to get the proper housing for your pigs is by handing over the building project to an individual who is experienced in constructing standard pens for pigs because the work will be easier that way plus you also get the best when it comes to housing your newly acquired piglets.
4) Feeding
Your pigs need good quality food to be able to grow well and be free from diseases.
They feed on things like roughage, kitchen garbage, agricultural waste, grain stalk from breweries, grains, meat, cooked table scraps, rice, and vegetables.
You need to feed your pigs at least two times a day for optimal growth.
5) Marketing
When your pigs give birth and the piglets mature, you can sell them both in the local and international markets.
Pork meat is a popular meat in Nigeria and globally with China as the world’s largest consumer of pork meat.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, pig farming is a lucrative business opportunity in Nigeria that has the potential to generate a steady income for farmers who are willing to put in the necessary work and dedication.
Starting a pig farm involves careful planning, research, and investment in the right infrastructure, equipment, and animal feed. Farmers must also be knowledgeable about pig health and disease prevention to ensure the well-being of their animals and the success of their businesses.
