How to Improve the Swine Business

Improving your swine business starts with the selection of a quality sow and boar.

Raising pigs can provide a profitable business for the entrepreneur that ventures into the swine industry . If you are just getting started; however, and would like to improve your chances of a successful business, you must pay attention to not only the environment that you provide for your swine, but to the selection of your swine as well. Choosing a proper sow and boar to breed will not only increase the chances of a successful breeding program, but healthy piglets will increase your profit and bottom line as well.

Things You'll Need

• Sow
• Boar
• Piglet box
• Heater

Instructions

1. Construct hog houses in a well-drained area that has a slight slope. If constructing a permanent structure, use concrete floors to allow for easier cleaning, as well as to keep the threat of parasites and disease to a minimum.

2. Select the biggest sow from litters that have at least eight healthy piglets. Sows used for breeding should have six pairs of properly spaced teats that are not inverted. This will help to ensure that the teats can provide an adequate milk supply to newly born piglets.

3. Choose a boar for breeding that is masculine in appearance and action. Males chosen for breeding should be between 4 to 6 months of age and have fully developed testicles that are equal in size.

4. Breed females around 8 months of age. Females should weigh at least 198 to 220 lbs. before breeding is attempted.

5. Provide the newly impregnated sow with a healthful diet and plenty of water. Do not allow the sow to become overweight because that could limit the number of piglets she can produce and successfully give birth to.

6. Prepare for the arrival of the piglets before they are due. New piglets require a piglet box and heater to keep them warm and help them stay safe. Allow piglets to nurse for the first four to six weeks before weaning.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have never raised swine before, start with a gilt or barrow (male that is castrated) to get some experience before you decide to breed them. Boars can be predictable and dangerous, so an understanding of a pig's personality and characteristics is essential to handling and breeding them successfully.

References

• Pinoy Bisnes: How/Swine Raising: An Investment Guide
• Homestead.org; Getting Started with Pigs; C.J Mouser