Introduction toPig Farming in Nepal: The pig farming business is one of the important economic activities in Nepal. Some effective management system in pig farming includes housing, breeding, feeding and health care, and marketing as well. Nepal is a landlocked country located in the lap of the Himalayan bordering China in the north and India in the South, East, and West. The faeces of pigs help maintain soil fertility. The pigs grow fast and are prolific breeders, farrowing 10 to 12 piglets at a time.
A Guide on How To Start Pig Farming In Nepal, And Business Plan, Breeds, Scope and Importance
Start Pig Farming (Image surce: pixabay)
The pig farming business is very profitable in Nepal. It can be on a micro-scale or a large scale for commercial farming business and it supports the livelihood of poor people in rural areas. Pigs are kept for meat production. There are mainly two types of breeds available, which are:
Local
Exotic
Pig production depends on different factors such as feeding, control of diseases, breeds, and the overall management of the firm. With a small investment in building and equipment, proper feeding, and disease control programs the farmer can profitably utilize time and labor in the pig farming business. Generally, the farm size is smaller, but the commercialization has been started. The pig farming trend in Nepal is increasing and new government programs to support the pig farming business as a low-cost means to create income and to improve food security.
Usually, indigenous pigs are important in Nepal’s rich biodiversity of livestock resources. It is imperative that an inventory is made and their properties categorized to avoid their genetic erosion. It will provide employment opportunities to rural farmers and supplementary income to improve their living standards. Commercial pig production is also increasing at a higher rate due to its increasing demand in the country.
Advantages of Pig Farming
Pigs are the most efficient animals for converting kitchen wastes, garbage, and other non-conventional feedstuffs into the meat.
The main reason why the pig farming business is important and very lucrative is that those pigs multiply fast.
Because of their amazingly high feed-to-meat conversion ratios, pigs grow to market size very fast. Pigs produce more meat compared to cattle, goats, and sheep.
Pigs have a high resistance to diseases and it is also adapt easily to most environments. Pigs can be raised on a small and large scale.
Pigs make great candidates for intensified agriculture that fits a different range of budgets due to this adaptability.
The pig farming business has great potential to become the daily menu of the people in Nepal. Also, play the main role in improving the standards of living of backyard farmers.
The pig farming business is a lucrative economic venture that can be practiced by several livestock farmers in Nepal.
The pig has got highest feed conversion efficiency that means they produce more live weight gain from a given weight of the feed. They are prolific with shorter generation intervals. They produce approximately 6 to 12 piglets in each farrowing.
Pigs manure is also used in the agriculture sector that it is used as fertilizer for agriculture farms and fish ponds.
The pig farming business provides quick returns. Pig products have good demand from domestic as well as export markets.
Scope and Importance of Pig Farming in Nepal
In case if you miss this: Sheep Farming In South Africa.
Piglets (pic source: pixabay)
Pig farming is most prevalent in the eastern and central areas of Nepal.
Pig husbandry and pork production in Nepal is at an early development stage compared to other livestock systems. Usually, pigs have been associated with low social groups, and so these animals have been neglected in improvement programs. Religious prejudice has imposed restrictions. Though, pigs are reared on a poor plane of nutrition with an indiscriminate breeding pattern and in poor housing. Consequently, the pigs grow at a slow rate and the meat is of poor quality.
About 42% of the exotic breed population of pigs constitutes the country’s total pig population. The remaining 58% constitutes the indigenous pig breeds, the black colored Chwanche in hills; the rusty brown to black colored Bampudke, the rusty brown colored Hurrah in Terai. Approximately 53% of the total pig population is concentrated in the eastern region of Nepal. Pig meat contributes about 7% of the total country’s meat production. Although two farrowing per year with 8 to 12 piglets per farrowing are reported, it is estimated that there is 15% piglet mortality up to weaning.
Information about Pig Farming in Nepal
Pig farming in Nepal has been known socially and culturally by certain ethnic groups. Pigs on the farm are raised in a clean, healthy, and natural environment with plenty of moving vegetable fields and sustainable pasture. Usually, pork has a distinctive flavor good for animal welfare and ultimately safer for your family to eat. Chwanche, Hurrah, Bampudke, Pakhribas black, and Dharane Kalo banggur, etc., are the native pig breeds in Nepal. Some exotic pig breeds are imported in Nepal like Landrace, Hampshire, Duroc, and Yorkshire, etc.
Pig raising in the developing period in Nepal is based on agricultural products. All pigs are free-range, healthy, and well cared live outdoors there is some warm bedding region for starting commercial pork production in Nepal. Increasing demand for free-range pork farms is difficult to be filled by the small number of producers who are free-range pigs farming.
The growing market of free raised pork attracts several farmers but it is not easy for free-range farming, it requires some knowledge about the industry and the requirements. Nepal offers pig farming business training at a pig farm in low-cost production, and also practical knowledge for all interested farmers.
The pig farming system in Nepal has been accepted by certain ethnic groups only. Usually, the farm size is smaller, but it is coming up in the form of commercial farms. Generally, two farrowing per sow per year can be obtained with the harvest of 8 to 12 piglets in a single farrowing with 15% piglet mortality during the weaning period.
Particularly in rural regions, pig farming is based on agricultural by-products and kitchen wastes. Depending upon the type of feed supplement, the feed conversion ratio is about 1:3 to 1:4. Nowadays, pig meat is becoming popular and the production is estimated at 15,389 tonnes. Piglets are usually being exported to Sikkim, Darjeeling, Bhutan, and Meghalaya, etc.
Housing System and Materials in Pig Farming
People were showing interest to adopt semi-intensive systems and intensive housing systems rather than free-range. Today’s barns allow farmers to control access and better prevent the spread of diseases. Housing should be;
The main advantage of housing is to keep the animals safe from harm from their surroundings
Keep out predators, and parasites which are vital to preventing pig injuries
Also, provide a comfortable environment. For indoor housing systems, this means properly maintained air circulation and temperature-controlled systems. For outdoor housing systems, this could include insulated shelter and protection from temperature extremes
Protect feed and water from contamination
Pig Breeds in Nepal
The identified indigenous breeds in Nepal are Chwanche, Hurrah, and Bampudke. Amongst these breeds, Chwanche is found in the hills and is black. Hurrah pigs are distributed in the Terai region in Nepal. Sanu Bandel is known to be the smallest of all hogs in the world. They are rusty brown to black and an adult weighs about 20 to 25 kg. The indigenous pig breeds are good in terms of disease resistance and reproductive characters like litter size and farrowing intervals. Though, they have lower body weights as compared to the improved breeds.
The total pig population in Nepal, about 58% is indigenous pigs while the remaining 42% are exotic pig breeds. The population of the Chwanche pig breed is stable, the number of Hurrah is declining and Bampudke is under threat of extinction.
Native Breeds of Pig in Nepal
Native pig breeds can be found throughout Nepal. They are small body size compared to other exotic pig breeds. Some native pig breeds in Nepal are Jangali Bandel / Wild Boar, Banmpudke, Pygmi Bandel, Hurra, Chwanche, Pakhribas Black Pig, and Dharane Kalo Banggur.
Jangali Bandel / Wild Boar –
Height is about 90 – 95 cm, and Weight; 200 – 250 kg
Brown-black color with thick hair on the body
The gestation period of Wild Boar is about 115 days
Piglets look different in appearance
Pygmi Bandel
This breed is found throughout Nepal.
Smallest, adult males average about 65 cm long and 25 cm tall. Females are slightly smaller and males average 8.5 kg in weight.
Its gestation period is approximately 100 days.
Hurra
This breed is found throughout the Terai of Nepal. Kept under scavenging systems and their coats have brown bristles on the neck portion.
Reached adultery at 226 days.
The average litter size is about 5.72 and the weaning size is about 5.14 with a birth weight of 700gm.
Resistance to several diseases and parasites.
Chwanche
Chwanche breed found across the mid-hills of Nepal.
Kept under semi-intensive systems. Mostly found in black color.
Reached adultery at 219 days.
The gestation period of Chwanche is about 114 days with a farrowing interval of 222 days.
The average litter size is about 7.33. Matured males weight average 24 and female 32 kg live weight.
Resistance to several diseases and parasites.
Banmpudke
It is known as the smallest domesticated pig breed. Color varies from red-brownish to black color.
Reached adultery at 187 days.
Its gestation period is about 114 days.
Resistance to several diseases and parasites
Pakhribas Black Pig
It was developed at Pakhribas Agriculture Centre Dhankuta Nepal.
Pakhribas Black Pig is back in color.
The average litter size is about 9.4 and the birth weight is 1.0 kg.
Resistance to several diseases and superior over other local pig breeds.
Dharane Kalo Banggur
Long body, large ear dropping upward.
Highly prolific, average litter size 8 to 10 with a high weaning rate.
Resistance to several diseases and parasites.
It is easily reared on locally available feed resources.
Perfect for semi-intensive systems.
Exotic Pig Breeds in Nepal
Some exotic pig breeds in Nepal are the Yorkshire, Tamworth, Landrace, and Hampshire, Meishan breeds, and their crosses. Pure exotic breeds do not perform well in rural pig farming systems in Nepal.
Pig Breeding System in Nepal
The pure breeding or crossbreeding system is being followed only in the case of exotic breeds like Hampshire, Landrace, Yorkshire, and Duroc. Crossbreeding among these breeds is being practiced for commercial pork production. However, the pure breeding of these pig breeds to maintain the parent stock is being encouraged.
In pig farming, the major issues of breeding are the existence of locally reared breeds, in-breeding, and unscientific methods of breeding. Farms taking a scientific way to breed pigs are difficult to find. Though, farmers can purchase purebred piglets for genetic improvement.
Balance Diet and Feeding Management for Pig Farming in Nepal
The stall feeding system was mainly adopted by a majority of pig farmers means 98.5% rather than others (1.5%). Because it is very easy to feed and utilize most of the waste materials as feed and family members also can give time to enough care.
In the pig farming business, farmers used locally available feeding materials and green grasses and other forages, etc. Pig farmers used the above ingredients as feed because they want to get profit from their resources. Though, the success of any pig enterprise depends on the feeding of stock with a well-balanced diet. The nutritional needs of pigs in the different phases of their life cycle vary, hence to achieve the maximum benefits of fast growth and efficient feed conversation; and meet the feed requirement of the critical stages.
A balanced diet means providing all types of nutrients required for them. Usually, pigs are non-ruminant animals and cannot synthesize any of the nutrients in their stomach. Carbohydrates and fats are required for energy and proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water are necessary for growth, maintenance, and vitality. They get all nutrition from food product varieties derived from plant and animal sources.
Pigs get fed mostly by corn and soybean meals with a mixture of minerals and vitamins added to the diet. Also, they are given vegetable peels, bakery wastes, and kitchen wastes, etc. They eat vegetables, fruits, flowers, grass, grains, and seeds. They find some food from pasture land and they depend more on readymade feed or in the food that we provide. The food we provide should have the right proportion of proteins, minerals, and energy foods. Adult pigs consume about 3 to 5 gallons of water per day. The success and failure of pig farming mainly depend on the feeding process.
Nepal’s Pig Feed Industry
The pig feed business is an important industry that has not been helped by subsidies in Nepal. Feed costs are high in Nepal, as up to 80% of all raw materials have to be imported. Commonly, feed takes up to 75% of their total production costs. Feed is formulated around a base of maize of around 50%, with added ingredients like mustard cake, meat, soya, blood or dried fishmeal, and rice bran.
Preparation of Balanced Diet for Pigs
For preparing a balanced diet for pigs, you must provide all kinds of nutrients from a variety of food sources during feeding. Pigs are non-ruminant animals and locally available sources of these nutrients are;
Carbohydrates and Fats – Carbohydrates are the main source of energy and the main source of carbohydrates are rice, maize, barley, and wheat.
Minerals – Minerals are very important for the body to stay healthy. The main sources of minerals for feeding pigs are common salt, oyster cells, bone meal, and readymade mineral mixtures. Calcium and phosphorous are necessary for a large quantity.
Proteins – Proteins are large, complex molecules that play main roles in the body. The main sources of proteins are soybean, mustard seeds, leguminous crops such as cowpeas, grams, lentils, and peas, etc.
Vitamins – Vitamins are organic compounds that are required in small quantities to sustain life. The vitamins can be mainly obtained from fruits and green vegetables.
Water – Fresh water must be provided as much as they need.
Particular selection and the combination of food sources must be made to prepare a balanced diet for pigs. Apart from the sources of nutrients, preservatives, flavoring, and coloring agents, antibiotics, enzymes are also added which may be found on the market.
Care of Piglets
Take good care of newborn piglets by providing guard rails.
Treat the navel cords with a tincture of iodine as it is cut with a sharp knife. Needle teeth must be clipped shortly after birth.
To prevent piglet anemia, supplementation of iron is necessary.
During the first 2 months, protect the piglets against extreme weather conditions.
Vaccinate the piglets carefully as per recommended vaccination schedule.
Prevention and Control of Pig Diseases in Nepal
All pigs should be vaccinated against swine fever at the age of about 2 to 4 weeks. Though, breeding pigs should be tested for brucellosis and leptospirosis. As a routine measure, all young pigs at the time of weaning must be inoculated against swine fever.
Animals purchased for the farm must be purchased from disease-free herds. Newly purchased animals must be isolated from the other animals on the farm for a period of 3 to 4 weeks. Those pig houses cleared of the animals are kept empty for 3 to 4 weeks for the destruction of microorganisms causing the disease.
Keeping pigs healthy is important and some disease prevention practices in pig farming are safe housing, and preventing and preparing for foreign animal disease.
Anthrax – It is a bacterial disease and it is a highly communicable disease and may affect human beings. It is controlled through vaccination. When pigs get an infection of anthrax, they do not eat and their body temperature level goes around 42°C.
Foot and Mouth Disease: It is a viral disease and it is also highly communicable disease. Therefore, himex ointment is a treatment for infected pigs. Infected pigs salivate and then feel difficulty in walking. Pigs must be vaccinated at a 4-month interval.
Swine Fever – Infected pigs’ body temperature level goes around 41°C. Though, constipation is seen in the initial stage and finally diarrhea with blood strains. Running nose appears with mucus and blood. Pigs must be vaccinated annually to prevent this disease.
Parasites – Parasites are living things that use other living things such as the pigs’ bodies for food and a place to live. They can get them from contaminated food or water. There are mainly two types of parasites; external and internal. External parasites can be mainly controlled by sanitary management. But, internal parasites such as tapeworm, threadworm, roundworm, and trichuria are more problematic. Then, it is advisable to consult veterinary doctors.
The other diseases in pigs like brucellosis, swine flu, nematodes, and cestodes, and so on. A hygienic environment must be maintained for proper sanitation and prevention. To control any diseases and parasites, spray disinfectants 2 weeks before the due date of birthing.
Preventive Care for Pigs diseases
Some farmers work with veterinarians to reduce the chance of illness and diseases in pigs. Besides diagnosing and treating sick pigs and maintaining records, veterinarians help farmers;
Stop the introduction of viruses and bacteria that threaten the herd
Enhance herd disease immunity with properly timed vaccinations
Develop some approaches to minimize disease risk in pigs
Pig Marketing Systems in Nepal
Pig (pic source: pixabay)
To promote the consumption of pork it must be supplied to the consumers. For maximizing the productivity, sale of piglets at 2 to 3 months of age yield quick returns to concentrate their efforts. Based on the market demand appropriate marketing strategy should be adopted in consultation with the local animal husbandry department officials.
In Nepal, there is no fixed system for marketing. There is a regular live animal and pork haat bazaar system developed in different municipalities to which farmers bring their animals for sale to local traders. Only, there are a few cold stores in Nepal because consumers prefer fresh pork to frozen.
