Choosing the Right Breed: Key to Successful Pork Production

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Choosing the Right Breed for Pork Production

Selecting the appropriate breed is paramount to ensuring success in your pig farming enterprise. Simon Streicher, former CEO of South African Pork Producers Association, provides insights into breed selection and sow choice.

When initiating a new pork production unit, acquiring breeding stock requires careful consideration. Only purchase pigs from a reliable source to ensure they are from a healthy herd. Acquiring pigs from multiple breeders increases the risk of introducing diseases, notes Streicher.

Auction purchases should be avoided due to the likelihood of piglets being exposed to various infections before acquisition.

The quality of your sow is paramount, as it directly influences the final product's grade. If breeding stock is of low quality, expect a poor outcome in terms of meat production and its market appeal. Herd genetics play a crucial role in delivering high-quality, lean cuts that meet commercial standards, says Streicher.

Pigs are prone to stress; breeders have effectively reduced this through genetic selection over time. Pig mortality can be significant if not managed properly. Genetic improvements mitigate this risk, adds Streicher.

Selecting Breeds

The decision on the breed of pig for your specific management practices should be well thought out.

Breed categories can broadly be divided into indigenous and improved breeds:

1. Indigenous breeds, commonly found in developing countries' rural villages, are not ideal for formal markets because their meat is generally too fatty.

2. Improved breeds, utilized in modern commercial systems, are renowned for efficiency but might necessitate more advanced management techniques.

Landrace and Large White are the two most popular breeds in South Africa. These breeds excel under intensive conditions and require adequate feeding, housing, and disease control measures to thrive optimally.

Artificial Insemination

The tr is moving towards using artificial inseminationrather than conventional boar mating for reproduction purposes.

offers significant advantages over traditional breeding methods:

• Cost-effective: Compared to mntning a boar,is more economical in terms of feed and management.

• High success rate: Currently, around 80 of commercial pig producers utilizewith conception rates as high as 90.

It's essential for farmers considering this method to undergo trning or att courses on how to performcorrectly. Accessing the right facilities and infrastructure is equally crucial.

Selecting Sows

Sow selection should be conducted by assessing:

• Females at about 5 to 6 months of age, with breeding potential from their mother's successful litter production.

• Look for lively animals with sturdy legs, large feet, a strght back, and a deep body capable of accommodating a significant litter size.

• Ensure the sow possesses enough well-shaped teats; at least 10 in indigenous breeds and 14 in modern breeds.

Entering the Industry

Starting with a grower unit to rse weaners is recommed for beginners. This provides an opportunity to understand pig farming dynamics before investing in breeding stock:

• Grower units: These are ideal for gning experience without overstocking your farm.

• Expansion should follow after accumulating sufficient knowledge and experience.

Collaborating with Commercial Producers

New farmers can benefit from establishing a partnership with established commercial pig producers. This setup allows new farmers to:

• Learn from experienced mentors who will supply pigs, inputs, and guidance.

• Share profits based on the final price without immediate financial risks by subtracting production costs.

This strategy offers an accessible pathway into farming while fostering a supportive community dynamic between old and new farmers.

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This revised content mirrors the original information but presents it in a structured format with improved coherence and fluency for English readers.

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