Pig farming is gaining popularity in Kenya due to its profitability. It stands out from other livestock farming as it is a relatively easier way of practising agribusiness. You can get into pig farming easily, provided you apply the correct rearing practices. But how much does it cost to start pig farming in Kenya?
Commercial pig farming in Kenya can yield impressive returns within a short period. To venture into this agribusiness, basic animal management skills and capital is essential. Here is everything you need to know, from the costs involved to the best practices for maximising your profits in the long run.
How much does it cost to start pig farming in Kenya?
The cost of starting pig farming in Kenya depends on the number of pigs you want to rear. According to Farmers Trend, small-scale pig farming of around 15 to 20 pigs can require a starting capital ranging between Ksh. 50,000 and Ksh. 200,000.
Per FarmLINK Kenya, pig feed can amount to up to 80% of the production costs when you select a high-quality feed. This is because the quality of feed ensures that your animals grow to the desired weight for the market.
What is the best food for piglets?
The best food for piglets should provide all the required nutrients to enable them to gain weight. However, it comes with a price because high-quality pig feeds are expensive. Piglets thrive on a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth. The best food for piglets includes:
- Grains and meat.
- Cooked table scraps and vegetables.
- Corn.
- Vitamins and other supplements
Pigs should also have an adequate supply of drinking water daily, about 8 to 15 litres. You can provide water through a tub or an automatic nipple waterer.
What is the price of pig feeds?
The price of pig feeds varies depending on the quality. For instance, a 50 kg bag of cheap pig feeds will cost around Ksh. 2,000. Consequently, the same 70 kg bag will cost you about Ksh. 2800.
A 50 kg bag of average-quality pig feeds also goes for about Ksh. 2,450. This means a 70 kg bag will cost about Ksh. 3 400. Lastly, a 50 kg bag of high quality, premium pig feeds will cost anywhere between Ksh. 2 700 to Ksh. 2,900. This means a 70 kg premium pig feed will cost about Ksh. 3 800 to Ksh. 4 100.
You can purchase these pig feeds from various commercial companies, which are highlighted below.
- Unga feeds.
- Sigma feeds
- Chania feeds
- Pembe feeds
What are the challenges facing pig farming in Kenya?
Despite being a profitable agribusiness, pig farming also has various challenges. Below are some of the common challenges farmers encounter alongside their remedies.
High cost of feeds
Pig feed can account for up to 80% of production costs, making it difficult for farmers to maintain profitability. If raw materials are readily available, you can use homemade mixing to cut down on feed costs.
Diseases
Pigs are prone to diseases like African swine fever, which can lead to significant losses. To handle diseases effectively, you should employ quarantine procedures and vaccinate them. This will come in handy, especially when you have a veterinary doctor who can give them the proper medications.
Inadequate housing and space
Lack of proper housing exposes pigs to harsh weather conditions, increasing their stress levels. With more pigs, you should prioritise increasing their space to prevent overcrowding, which will otherwise cause diseases.
Inefficient breeding practices
Poor breeding techniques, such as using low-quality boars or sows, can result in low fertility rates and slower-growing offspring. Here, your veterinary doctor can advise on the best breeding approaches.
How long does a pig take to mature in Kenya?
In Kenya, pigs mature in 6 to 8 months, depending on the breed and management practices. With proper feeding and care, they can reach a marketable weight of around 60 to 100 kilograms during this period.
Where is the best place to farm pigs in Kenya?
The best locations for pig farming in Kenya are regions with a moderate climate and access to reliable water sources. These regions include Kiambu, Murang’a, parts of Rift Valley like Nakuru and Eldoret, and Western Kenya (Kakamega and Bungoma).
What temperature is too hot for pigs?
Regulating the temperature is crucial in pig farming, as the animals feel the heat but cannot sweat it off. During a K24 interview with farmer Jennifer Koome, she clarified that pigs should always be kept cool to prevent any adverse conditions that could lead to death.
When it’s hot, you must keep it cool, and we are able to keep that cooling by ensuring there is enough drinking water. Sometimes, they will roll where it’s cool because the pigs have no sweat glands, so we ensure that we have enough drinking water to cool them down. When it’s cold, we have patterns, as you can see, and we bring them down so that the atmosphere here.
Jennifer Koome added,
The changes of the weather outside, does not affect how these pigs are inside the pigsty. This is one way of ensuring that they gain weight because they are not going to be stressed about the temperature, so they will be resting, and when a pig rests, it is adding weight.
How many times should a pig be fed in a day?
Depending on age and nutritional needs, pigs should be fed 2 to 3 times daily. The piglets require a starter meal from one week to three months. At first, they eat little, but as they grow, the feed should be increased at an approximate rate of 50 grams per month until they hit six months. Once they are seven months old, the pigs consume 3kg of feed per day onwards.
What is the best pig breed for commercial farming in Kenya?
The most recommended breeds for commercial pig farming in Kenya are discussed below.
Large White
Most farmers in Kenya prefer this breed because of its unique characteristics. Its robust body is adaptable and can withstand a wide range of climates. Additionally, sizeable white pig sows produce between 10 and 12 piglets.
Duroc- Jersey
Duroc-Jersey pigs have thick fur and reddish-coloured hard skin. They are suitable for growing and rearing and survive extreme cold and wet climates.
Landrace pigs
Landrace pigs have white skin, straight snouts, and drooping ears. They perform well under confined and outdoor management. Additionally, these animals are suitable for producing pork and bacon since they are weaned at a higher weight than the rest.
Is pig farming profitable in Kenya?
Yes, pig farming is highly profitable in Kenya. With proper management, it can generate significant returns within a short period. According to Bizna, a mature pig raised for pork yields a minimum of Ksh 16,000.
Who is the richest pig farmer in Kenya?
It is challenging to determine who the richest pig farmer in Kenya is. However, Naomi Waithera from Mataara in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, is one of the richest pig farmers in Kenya. The farmer has over 500 pigs and has secured a supplier contract with Farmers Choice since 2019.
How much does Farmers Choice buy pigs in Kenya?
Farmers Choice is one of the leading pork processors in Kenya. According to the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), Farmers Choice buys a pig for Ksh 19,000. Each pig weighs up to 60 kilograms and is aged between four and six months. Prices may fluctuate, so staying updated on current rates is advisable before selling.
Wrapping up
How much does it cost to start pig farming in Kenya? As discussed, venturing into this form of agribusiness will require around Ksh. 50,000 to Ksh. 200,000, depending on the number of pigs you want to rear. With the prerequisites, you can now boldly venture into pig farming and begin to realise profits.
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