Socio-economic factors affecting pig production in Enugu state Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine some socio-economic factors affecting pig production in Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of eighty (80) farmers were randomly selected and used for the study. Results showed that 76% of the pig farmers were men whereas only 24% were women. Most of the farmers (55%) were educated above secondary school. It was observed that majority (70%) of the farmers combined pig farming with other ventures. Most of the farmers (51%) had less than 5 years experience. The crossbred (50.6%) and exotic breeds (41.8%) of pig were the major breeds reared in the state. Brewers’ spent grain and palm kernel cake were the most available and cost effective feed ingredients used for feeding pigs. Some management practices observed were daily cleaning of pens, restricted feeding, and record keeping. Average litter size of pigs recorded was between 6 to 10 piglets. Regression analysis showed that average market weight of the pigs in the state was 79.0kg. The system of pig production practiced by the farmers highly influenced the weight gain of pigs (P<0.01). It was concluded from the study that majority of the pig farmers in Enugu State were educated, young men who practice intensive system of pig production. Although, the farmers are aware of the basic management principles necessary for increased productivity, they are however, constrained by scarcity of fund for the purchase of feed materials to meet up with the dietary requirement of their pigs, thus leading to poor weight gain and low profit.

Key words: farmers, pig, production, breed, regression, veterinarian