3. Fermented Bed Technology (FBT)
3.3 Materials needed for starting up an FBT
The materials needed to start the piggery are appropriate housing structure to provide shelter; good quality pigs with proven fertility history; adequate feed resource; equipment and tools; and reliable clean water supply.
3.4. Feed Selection
To be profitable, a pig production enterprise should use Sows and Boars from high quality animals from improved breeds. Farmers should choose breeds that are common in their area since it eases the process of buying and selling breeding stock. Table 2 below gives a list of pig breeds in Uganda from which a farmer can select.
Table 2:
Breed: Large White or Yorkshire
Performance traits: White with erect ears, good mothering ability, produces many litters, fast growing and fairly hardy
Maturity weight (kg) : Male 310 – 400; Female: 250 – 330
Breed: Landrace
Performance traits: White, lopped ears, fast growth rate, high quality carcass
Maturity weight (kg): Male 310 – 400; Female: 250 – 330.
Breed: Duroc
Performance traits: Dark brown, fast growth rate, good mothering ability. It is tolerant to stress and is adaptable to various environmental conditions
Maturity weight (kg): Male 300; Female 250.
Breed: Hampshire
Performance traits: Black, good carcass quality, high meat yield
Maturity weight (kg): Male 300 Female 250
Breed: Comborough
Performance traits: Comborough Superior weaning capability, robustness, increased weaning weights, short re-breeding intervals, higher conception rates, improved farrowing rates
Maturity weight (kg): Male 310 – 400; Female: 250 – 330.
Breed: Local pigs
Performance traits: Different colors, hardiness, adaptability, large litters
Maturity weight (kg): 100-150
Breed: Crosses
Performance traits: Crosses of Large white and Landrace are common. They are very good when used as Sows for breeding
Maturity weight (kg): 200-300
Footnote – Note that Maturity weight = Average age or weight under recommended good feeding
3.4.1. Selection of right pigs for breeding.
When considering going in for pig breeding, a farmer should carefully consider the following points:
• Select good gilts from Sows of a superior breed that wean 9-10 piglets per litter and that are known to be good mothers.
• Selected gilts should have at least 12-14 teats so that a large litter can be easily nursed.
• Gilts should be healthy with strong legs and well-developed body and thigh muscles
• Beginners in pig farming are advised to start with about 1-2 gilts/Sows and progress as more experience and skill is gained
• Allowing accessibility to food and clean water.
• Ensuring easy movement of the stockman.
• Effective disposal of effluent.
• Cost effectiveness in housing construction.