Q. Who can be a member of JPFA
A. Membership shall be open to any person or company/organization participating in the rearing of pigs.
Q. How can one be a member of JPFA
A. Application for membership shall be in writing (application form) to the Executive Secretariat or any Executive Committee Member.
Q. How much is the membership fee per annum.
A. J$4000.00 per Member. Payment must be made upon application for membership to the Executive Secretariat and becomes due on an annual basis, upon renewal of membership.
Q. As a non-pig farmer wanting to start pig rearing, what are some of the advantages and disadvantage of the business?
A The main advantage is that it is profitable. The disadvantages include: high feed of cost; farmers are “price takers”.
Q. What should be the size of the pens for boars and sows?
A. Boars require 80-100 sq. ft. housed individually. Each sow requires 25-35 sq. ft when housed in group.
Q. What is the required Sow/Boar ratio with which an amateur pig farmer should start?
A 15 Sows to 1 Boar.
Q. What are the types or breeds of pigs to start with?
A. F1 females from a Landrace x York cross using a Duroc boar.
Q. How many pigs per pen?
A. Boar: 1 per pen. Sows and gilts: 4-6 per pen. Weaners and finishers: 20-30 per pen. Weaners and finishers pen requirements are 3 & 9 sq. ft. respectively.
Q. At least how many times per day should the pigs be fed?
A. Dry sows and boars – once or twice daily. Lactating sows 2-3 times daily or as much as they can eat. Weaners and finishers free choice or adlibitum.
Q.What types of equipment are required for a piggery?
A. Feeders, scales, wheel barrow, shovel, hammer, nails, plumbing supplies for repairs, hog holder, pumps, water pump with a backup, water storage with one week’s supply.
Q.How does a farmer know when the sow is ready for mating?
A. Swollen vulva, mucus discharge from vulva, honking sound, loss of appetite, standing and allowing other animals to ride her back, standing or attempting to jump wall or pen; erect ear when in standing heat. A sow may display silent heat which may only be detected by the boar who is the best judge.
Q. What other care should the animals get, besides feeding?
A. Vaccination, medication, parasite control, sanitation and a comfortable environment that is the correct space requirement for pigs of varying ages and sizes.
Q. At what age should the piglets be weaned?
A. 3-5 weeks depending on the piggery.
Q. When and why should a boar be castrated?
A. Castration is best done within the first week of life. Castration is done to prevent inbreeding and prevent the meat from being tainted.
Q.What is the start up cost for a 5-sow unit?
A. The building requirement is approximately 650- 750 sq. ft. at a cost of $800-1000 per sq. ft. Along with water storage, feed storage, animal cost and feed for 1 year, the estimated cost is $800,000.00-$1,000,000.00.