When taking the decision to get into raising pigs for meat one has to remember that raising pigs needs more deliberation then you can think. There are a lot of things to consider before you begin your journey. Below is a list of the things a beginner farmer should consider when raising pigs for meat.
1) The first thing you should do is to consult your local agency to enquire if you are allowed to raise any type of livestock in your area of residence. Some countries have some requirements in place before they allow you to raise livestock.
2) You should plan ahead on how many pigs you planning on raising depending on the amount of land you have. 50 square feet for the housing is usually required. You should also look at how much money you are prepared to spend when starting out with your farm. Starting out with 2 or more pigs will definitely cost you more then starting of with one pig. But a good amount of pigs to start of with is two. With two pigs you can be able to monitor them and make sure they get enough nutrition’s and care. Once you get used to caring for them you can then add more pigs.
3) Before your pigs are delivered you should make sure you build some shelter for them. A sturdy pen would be a good choice. The pen will protect your pigs from hot and cold temperatures and also from unwanted intruders. Make sure that the pen is big enough to accommodate the pigs even as they grow older. The pen should also be large enough to house the pigs food and water containers.
The pen house should have a fence built around it to allow the pigs to enjoy the outsides but at the same time be safe and not disappear.
4) When raising pigs for meat its no doubt that nutrients play a big role. So make sure that the pigs are getting the right amount nutrients. The ideal feed for pigs is grains and they are supplied in form of mash and pellets. You can also go for organic ways of feeding but this will cost you more.
Once you get the hang of taking care of your pigs you will surely be on your way to profits. You and your family will also enjoy pure unprocessed meat.
