Pigs

Farmer’s Weekly brings you the latest pig farming and production news and updates from South Africa and the rest of Africa.

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 in intensive environments such as purpose-built piggeries, sties, or even enclosed sheds.

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 producers. Pig farmer CP Kriek spoke to Lindi Botha about tech solutions suited to Africa.

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.
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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 calibre of the country’s formal producers.
Benson Group Piggery

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 surest route to success. Lindi Botha reports on how the Benson piggery in KwaZulu-Natal has progressed in this respect.

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. New research suggests that an alternative is not only already available, but offers more benefits.

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 production operation.

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 University of Pretoria discusses the medications and equipment you should have on your pig farm at all times.

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 spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

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 on their farms and protect their livelihoods.
The Kolbroek breed

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.

Free-range pigs: lessons learnt on the way to commercial success

Start small and grow with the results. This is the principle followed by young pig farmer Jason Buys of Ocean View Piggery in the Western Cape. Jeandré van der Walt visited him to learn more about his free-range pig operation and how he plans to grow his farming business.

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