Pig production is considered to be the most profitable direction in livestock. This is due to the fact that these animals quickly gain weight and are unpretentious in food. However, do not forget that, like any business, this one will require investments, risk and constant participation in the business.
How pig breeding begins
Pig farming as a business can only be considered by those who have prepared a specific plan and are ready to grow animals every day. Despite the fact that the business started will require huge investments and patience, the results that it can bring fully compensate for all efforts. Pig farming is divided into two areas: raising animals for meat and breeding, which is not considered an independent business. In itself, it is unprofitable. Pork is always a sought after product. The result of production is meat, fat, skin and blood. They are acquired by sausage factories, workshops, grocery store chains and market resellers. Smoked sausages and lard can be stored for a long time, which allows to increase the duration of the sale of products without affecting their taste. Profitable is the business that makes the sale of meat.
If we are talking about raising pigs for the needs of their family in the same barn, then you can do without complex calculations. But time and money still have to invest.
Pig production for beginner breeders should start with a business plan. It should take into account such aspects as the organization of the farm, possible markets, the purchase of feed, pig breeds and their cost, maintenance costs. Separately, it is necessary to identify all possible risks and ways to reduce them. To effectively start a business, it is recommended to attract experienced specialists, among whom should be a livestock specialist.
Farm organization
Considering pig farming as a business, the main focus should be on the farm. The room should be bright, clean and without drafts. The optimal area for the 300-head herd is 5000 square meters. meters. This will allow placing in it household, office and production rooms, as well as a laboratory.
Particular attention should be paid to the removal of manure for various options for farm construction. This is a very important factor for compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards, and therefore for healthy livestock growth.
Equally important is what equipment will be installed on the farm. Pig breeding equipment must meet the latest requirements in order to exclude animal diseases. The success of a business depends on how modern it is. The leaders in the production and development of such equipment remain European companies. Modern farms are equipped in such a way that most of the process takes place automatically. These are electronic feeding systems and separate zones for sow insemination, for farrowing, rearing piglets and fattening. In Russia, such farms are still a rarity. It uses equipment whose age is 15-20 years. Half of it is not functioning. The result of such activities is losses.
Pig acquisition
To organize a farm for a beginning pig farmer, experts recommend buying a herd of 300 animals. There should be no more than 10 producers in the herd, and at least 150 sows. This will be the main potential for replenishing the herd. Almost half of the livestock will need to be fed and sold for the circulation of funds. It is better to buy pigs by dozens from different owners in order to prevent the mating of animals similar in pedigree. The choice must be made with an experienced livestock specialist or veterinarian who will immediately determine the animal’s health status. If there are many individuals with an unhealthy appearance in the farm where it is planned to purchase piglets, it is better not to risk it. And look for another farmer. In any case, this must be done in breeding farms.
Pig breeds
In total, there are about 100 breeds of pigs in the world. To select livestock, you need to carefully study them. Each of them has its pros and cons. Pigs are bred for meat, lard and bacon. Breeds of pigs are different, based on what more can be obtained from them. There are differences in their fertility and resistance to changes in temperature. They differ in skin color and temperament.
32 pig breeds are actively used in Russia. Photos of some of them are presented below.
1. Large white. The most common breed in Russia and the CIS.
2. Landras.
3. Duroc.
You can even see how different all these representatives are.
Pig keeping
Pig farming as a business has the main goal - to grow the livestock that is, and to provide offspring to replenish the herd. For this, it is necessary to take into account all factors, including the time of year.
Growing pigs is better to start in early spring. These animals are very thermophilic. During the warm season, a pig of 115 kg grows out of a pig weighing 25 kg. With such a mass, they are already ready for sale. Piglets that managed to be born in the warm period will grow stronger faster and gain weight.
For normal growth, pigs should drink a lot. If the water supply is not automated, then it must be provided in another way. Leaving a trough with water is not recommended, as it can easily be turned over. Animals will be left without a drink.
Pigs are very positive about feeding. Food should be balanced according to their age. Normal weight gain should be 0.5 kg per day.
Pig breeding technology
The breeding technologies of these animals have many differences. But they all relate to feeding and keeping the herd. Each farmer chooses the one that is most economically acceptable for him and meets the assigned tasks.
Technology is distinguished by its approach to keeping pigs. Some are designed for the free movement of the herd. Others completely block it and are aimed at keeping the animal in a narrow cage.
In the world there are various Danish, Brazilian, German, Canadian, Finnish technologies. Each of them has its opponents and supporters. In Russia, the technology of raising pigs in hangars is gaining popularity. It is very economical to build a farm.
Those who have already taken up this business unanimously say that with any technology, important factors for making a profit are the source material (piglets), quality investments in their growing and market prices at the time of delivery of the products.
The development of pig farming in Russia
Pig production is poorly developed in Russia. As a business, this type of animal husbandry is unprofitable for small farms. This is due to the fact that new technologies that are based on the capabilities of modern equipment are not implemented in most farms. Russian factories that produced equipment for pig breeding are almost completely stopped. Which leads to the use of old energy-intensive technologies for keeping animals. This is reflected in costs and reduces the profitability of production.
Pig production in Russia is represented by a number of major companies that have not been losing ground for several years.
TOP 5 most successful pork producers in Russia
| No. p / p | Business name | Production year 2013 | Production year 2012 |
| 1. | GC "Miratorg" | 356 t | 241.1 t |
| 2. | SC "Cherkizovo" | 158 t | 115 t |
| 3. | LLC GK Agro-Belogorye | 148 t | 117.5 t |
| 4. | GC Rusagro | 116 t | 57.8 t |
| 5. | CJSC Agrarian Group | 67 t | 53.1 t |
As can be seen from the table, production growth is obvious. But nationwide, this indicator is very small. Recently, the development of pig husbandry has been given special attention. This is due to the reorientation of Russia to the domestic market and the ban on the import of meat from Europe and the USA. The government plans to provide special subsidies for the development of farms.