Pigs of the future: genetics shaping a more resilient herd
Advances in pig genetics are rapidly changing breeding and herd management. With digital phenotyping and artificial intelligence, breeders can now select pigs not just for growth and efficiency but also...
Managing weaners and growers for maximum efficiency
Effective pig farming requires a delicate balance of care, precision, and innovation to ensure the well-being and performance of weaners and growers. Dr Alex Westerink, an expert in swine health...
Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success
JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are...
The business of pig farming: practical steps for success
Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed,...
The critical role of proper nutrition in pig and poultry production
Proper nutrition is vital for the health and productivity of pigs and poultry. Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka and JD Mostert spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about exploring essential nutrients, common feeding...
Common pig diseases every farmer should watch out for
In this article, we discuss some of the most common viral pig diseases in South Africa, and what farmers should do to prevent and/or treat these diseases to ensure a...
Iberian pigs provide the world’s most expensive ham
Amidst the range of delicacies to be enjoyed in Spain, Iberian ham is both a culinary delight and a farming marvel. Lindi Botha visited Spain to find out what it...
Western Cape farmer’s model for running pigs on pasture
Farming pigs on pasture is not commonly practised in South Africa, yet provides multiple benefits to farmers and the environment. Nan Smith spoke to Swellendam farmer Simon Goble about how...
Want to start a pig farm? Read this first!
There is a lot to consider when embarking on any farming operation, and the same is true for starting a piggery. Janine Ryan reports on some of the things you...
Basic vaccination and health protocols for pigs
Unlike farming or production programs where livestock species such as sheep, cattle, and goats are farmed extensively on wide-open spaces comprised of pastures or grazing rangelands, pigs are usually produced...
Top pig farmer takes full advantage of technology
New technologies, big data and top-of-the-range genetics are becoming increasingly important aspects of profitable pig farming. However, these advancements don’t come cheap, placing them out of reach of many small-scale...
Swine flu or swine fever? Know the difference!
In order to ensure proper treatment for and management of pig diseases, farmers must know the differences between African swine fever, classical swine fever and swine flu, says Janine Ryan.
Many opportunities await SA’s pork industry
Johann Kotzé, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, speaks to Janine Ryan about the importance of the informal pig sector in South Africa, as well as the high...
Great pork, good profits – thanks to top genetics
Growing demand for lean pork and a more muscled carcass, plus the need to run an efficient, productive operation, have put ever-greater pressure on pig farmers. Superior genetics remain the...
Focus shifts from zinc to gut health for robust pigs
Increasing pressure against the use of zinc oxide in pig herds has left farmers concerned about whether an alternative will be as effective at controlling disease and maintaining animal health....
Marketing and animal welfare: key to success
Innovative marketing and customer relationships are essential to a modern piggery, says Shaun Mockford of Mockford Farms in Limpopo. He spoke to Magda du Toit about running a superior pig...
Managing your pigs’ health
Losing just one productive pig can cost you a great deal of money. In this, the third instalment in our series on livestock first aid, Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the...
Animal welfare: Raising stress-free pigs
Raising stress-free pigs makes business sense, as it results in better growth of animals and fewer problems caused by disease. Dr Peter Evans of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation...
Biosecurity on a budget for small-scale pig producers
In this article Dr Peter Evans, veterinary liaison officer of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, shares affordable and practical tips that small-scale pig farmers can implement to improve biosecurity...
Selecting the right pig breed for your farm
Dr Danie Visser, an agricultural adviser and strategic analyst, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the factors that a farmer should consider when choosing which pig breed to farm.
