Management Systems for Pig Production

This section outlines the common management systems employed in pig farming, along with a brief overview of pig breeds prevalent in Malawi.

Breeds of Pigs in Malawi

Malawi primarily features two categories of pig breeds:

• Local Breeds (Unimproved/Indigenous):

  • Characteristics:
    • Black or spotted in colour.
    • Small body.
    • Short body.
    • Late maturity.
    • Straight face.
    • Long legs.
  • Tolerance: More tolerant to low-quality feed and exhibit higher disease resistance compared to exotic breeds.

• Exotic Breeds: Raised primarily for specific commercial purposes due to their superior production characteristics.

  • Large White (Origin: Yorkshire, Britain):
    • Bacon breed.
    • White colour.
    • Thin, erect, and long ears.
    • Long head, with dished face and snouts.
    • Strong hind legs.
  • Landrace (Origin: Denmark):
    • Raised for bacon.
    • Large with long and broad back.
    • White in colour.
    • Sagging back and weak hind legs.
    • Good mothering ability.
    • Long and drooping ears.
    • Short legs and face, with a medium snout.
  • Hampshire (Origin: USA):
    • Black and white in colour.
    • Medium and curved back.
    • Erect ears.
    • Raised for bacon and pork.
  • Berkshire (Origin: England):
    • Medium-sized.
    • Black with white spots on its feet, nose, and tail.
    • Short nose with a dished face.
  • British Saddleback (Origin: England, Britain):
    • Black with white front legs.
    • Saddle mark around the shoulder.
    • Straight snout.
    • Excellent mothering ability.
    • Drooping ears.
    • Long head and straight face.
  • Tamworth (Origin: England, Britain):
    • Reared for bacon.
    • Long legs.
    • Grows slowly.
    • Hardy; can survive under extensive systems.
  • Duroc Jersey (Origin: England):
    • Purely black.
    • Raised for pork (though sometimes noted as low quality).
    • Fast growth and early maturity.
    • Good mothering ability.
    • Produces large litters.

Management Systems for Pig Production

Pig production systems vary based on capital investment, land availability, and management intensity.

1. Free-Range or Small-Scale Systems:

   • Description: Pigs are allowed to move around and find food for themselves. Farmers supplement their diet with kitchen refuse and/or agricultural waste. Temporary shelters provide housing at night. Local breeds are commonly used due to their tolerance to low-quality feed and higher disease resistance. This system is practiced by small-scale farmers for subsistence and supplementary income.
   • Advantages:
     • Low capital investment.
     • Does not require extensive skill.
     • Ensures even distribution of droppings, improving soil fertility.
     • Less labor-intensive as pigs forage for food and water themselves.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Slow growth rate due to unbalanced diet.
     • High rate of piglet loss as pigs roam uncontrolled.
     • High likelihood of predation and theft.
     • Cannot be practiced on small land areas.
     • High chances of contracting diseases.

2. Semi-Intensive Production:

   • Description: This system combines elements of both intensive and extensive pig raising. Animals are kept in pens for part of the day or certain periods (receiving food, water, shade) and allowed outside the pens during other times, depending on their age and purpose. When outdoors, pigs may be fed kitchen waste or vegetables, and management is generally minimal.
   • Advantages:
     • Higher productivity and number of pigs compared to the free-range system.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Lower productivity compared to fully intensive systems.
     • Marketing is often dictated by the immediate financial needs of the owner rather than optimal market conditions.

3. Intensive Production:

   • Description: Pigs are kept in complete confinement within pens or indoors throughout their lives. All food, water, and medication are meticulously provided. This system is primarily for commercial purposes and is practiced by large-scale farmers. It involves moving away from subsistence production towards a fully commercial model. Buildings are typically designed with separate sections for fatteners, breeding boars, and young pigs.
   • Advantages:
     • Pigs are well managed, allowing for precise control over nutrition and health.
     • Can be done on a small piece of land, maximizing output per unit area.
     • Large numbers of animals can be kept.
     • Pigs are protected from predators and thieves.
     • Animals are protected from adverse weather conditions (e.g., extreme heat or cold).
     • Farmers benefit from the high accumulation of manure, which can be managed and utilized.
     • Faster growing, healthier pigs and/or larger litters.
     • Prevents crop damage by roaming pigs.
     • Reduces the risk of pigs being lost.
     • Offers greater possibilities for improved feed management and disease control.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Requires high capital investment for housing, equipment, and feeds.
     • Requires a high level of skill for optimal management.
     • Requires a lot of labor for feeding and daily care of the animals.