Pigs are an essential part of the livestock industry, and choosing the right breed is crucial for successful pig farming. When selecting sows, it's advisable to prioritize local breeds due to their strong adaptability, resilience to roughage, lower stress levels, and natural behavior. Local sows tend to reach sexual maturity earlier, show clear estrus signs, have higher conception rates, and produce more litters with strong maternal instincts. They are also easier to manage. However, with the growing trend of crossbreeding, pure local breeds have become rare. Therefore, it's recommended to select sows that have a strong local heritage, as they often yield better market value and are easier to sell.
For boars, foreign breeds with high lean meat content, fast growth, and strong physical build are preferable. The Duroc is particularly popular, while Landrace and Pietrain are also available. However, Pietrain pigs are known for their high stress response, so careful consideration is needed when introducing them to your farm.
When deciding between raising local breeds, three-way hybrids, or two-way hybrids, it’s important to conduct a thorough analysis of the local consumer market. Indigenous pigs, though slower to grow, offer superior meat quality and unique flavor, making them popular in remote areas. On the other hand, foreign three-way hybrids like Du Dachang and Du Changda have high lean meat percentages (62-64%) and are favored by urban consumers. These pigs gain 700–900 grams per day with a feed-to-meat ratio of 2.6:1, offering excellent economic returns. They are ideal for suburban and transport-friendly regions. Two-way hybrids, while not as productive as three-way crosses, still meet rural preferences and are well-suited for the countryside.
Choosing the right rearing model is equally important. There are three main approaches: specialized fattening, full-cycle breeding, and nursery pig rearing. The professional fattening model involves raising pigs from weaning to slaughter, requiring less investment and offering quick returns. However, it can be risky due to unstable piglet sources and disease concerns. The full-cycle model integrates all stages from breeding to slaughter, maximizing profit but requiring significant capital and expertise. Lastly, the nursery pig model focuses on raising and selling young pigs, offering stable returns and better disease control, though it demands high initial investment and technical knowledge.
Understanding market trends is key to profitable pig farming. Live pig prices are influenced by factors like feed costs, disease outbreaks, and seed availability, which can be unpredictable. However, pork price changes follow certain patterns. For example, prices typically rise slightly before May Day and the 11th, and peak around New Year. This is mainly due to urban demand, as city dwellers are the largest consumers of pork. Rural areas usually raise only a few pigs, so their impact on market prices is limited. Under normal conditions, pigs take about 160–180 days to reach market weight. By purchasing suitable pigs or medium-sized pigs ahead of major holidays, farmers can maximize profits during peak seasons.
Grasping business opportunities requires a balanced approach. While pork prices rose sharply after 2007, leading to high profits, expanding breeding too quickly can be risky. High prices for pigs and piglets may lead to increased costs, and government interventions can cause price fluctuations. Additionally, rising feed costs can reduce profit margins. Therefore, farmers must consider political, economic, and market factors when making decisions.
In China, feed costs account for 70–80% of pig-raising expenses, compared to around 50% in advanced countries. A favorable pig-to-feed ratio (5.5:1 to 6.5:1) ensures profitability. Prices that are too high or too low both pose risks—too low means poor returns, while too high can lead to market instability. Monitoring the piglet market and understanding its dynamics is essential for making informed decisions in the pig industry.
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