Pig farming is one of the most profitable businesses being done by Kenyans. Kenyans tend to rear pigs because they grow faster, require less capital to start and can be sold after a short period of growth. The main common pig breeds being raised in Kenya today are Large White, Hampshire, Landrace, and Duroc. The grown pig in Kenya can acquire depending on the weight.
The price of a full grown pig costs between Ksh. 40,000 and Ksh. 45,000 on average, the cost depending on the size and weight of the pig.
Pig Farming in Kenya Today
Pig farming is done to provide food and nutrition and also as a form of business, to make profits for those who invest in small-scale or large-scale farms. Pig farming is a profitable business in Kenya because the demand for pork is high.
Kenya has a favorable climate for pig farming. Getting pig feed is easy because they feed on agricultural products, kitchen garbage, and roughage. Kenyan pig sows give birth twice a year, each producing 10 piglets, and the gestation period is not more than 115 days.
6 Benefits of Pig Farming in Kenya
Pig farming has six benefits for farmers in Kenya:
1. Pigs grow faster when compared to other livestock, and the reproduction system takes a shorter time and gestation period of not more than 115 days.
2. Pig farming provides a quick return because it attains a marketable weight in 6 to 8 months.
3. Pigs have a high feed conversion efficiency because if you do not have enough feed, pigs can gain weight from little given.
4. Pigs are the source of food because their meat attracts many Kenyans since it is tasty and nutritious.
5. Pig farming is a source of income because farmers can decide to sell grown pigs or piglets. Pig meat, skin, and piglets make them earn money.
6. Pig farming in Kenya gives a high return on investment. This is because you can start with little capital, but after a short period you gain money.
Pig Housing
Suitable land for pig farming in Kenya should be a calm and quiet place. Pig housing structures should be constructed and divided into various pens. They should be easy to clean and maintain hygienic conditions all the time.
Treatment and Vaccination
In Kenya, pigs are treated and vaccinated against parasites that are internal and external to the country. Pigs are dewormed and vaccinated against various diseases.
How to Feed Your Pigs Correctly
Feeding pigs is essential in Kenya because it makes pigs gain weight, which is required. Pigs feed on different foods like meat, kitchen waste, grains, cooked food and vegetables. Pigs eat two or three kilos per day, and the feed should be fresh and contain energy, protein, and vitamin content. Also, a farmer should purchase commercial feeds and mix them with those gotten from other places.
Feeding piglets starts two days after birth, each feeding five times in ten minutes per day. On the third day onward, reduce the number of times you feed by increasing the amount of milk up to the second week. In the third week, introduce solid food slowly to the piglets.
Provide pigs with enough clean water. For instance, in Kenya, grown pigs take 25 to 50 liters per day while piglets take approximately ten liters per day. You should also ensure a sufficient supply of water for the farm, depending on the number of pigs you want to raise.
Where to Buy Full Grown Pig
A fully grown pig in Kenya can be bought by the farmer who practices pig farming on either small or large scale farms. Pig slaughterhouses in Kenya, like Farmers Choice Limited in Nairobi, Ndumboni Farm Slaughter House in Kiambu, Lytano Slaughter House on the outskirts of Nairobi, and Kabati Slaughter House in Murang’a are some of the places to buy pigs.
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