BY SIKHONA SIBANDZE
Pig production is one of the fastest-growing agricultural ventures in Eswatini, offering households and commercial farmers opportunities for sustainable income. However, success in pig farming does not happen by chance — it requires knowledge, preparation, and consistent application of best practices.
This guide draws on lessons from a recent workshop hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Livestock Services Department in partnership with Feedmaster. Extension officers and technical advisors shared practical steps to help farmers reduce losses, improve productivity, and grow profitable pig enterprises.
1. Building the Ideal Pig House
A pig house is more than a shelter — it is the foundation of profitable pig farming. Poor housing increases disease risks, reduces growth, and can cause major financial losses.
Key guidelines for pig housing:
- Choose a well-drained site, away from residential areas.
- Align buildings East–West to reduce sun exposure.
- Use strong walls and iron doors to prevent theft and predation.
- Install concrete floors for easy cleaning and disease prevention.
- Maintain temperatures between 15–21°C using fans in summer and heaters in winter.
- Build an effective drainage system to manage waste, with solids recycled as manure.
- Ensure good ventilation to reduce heat stress and respiratory diseases.
“If you construct your pig house properly, you reduce disease risks, improve hygiene, and make your pigs more comfortable, which ultimately boosts growth.” – Extension Officer Nhlakanipho Dlamini
2. Breeds and Breeding Practices
The choice of pig breed and breeding method has a direct impact on productivity.
Recommended breeds in Eswatini:
- Duroc – resilient, good meat quality.
- Large White – fast-growing, adaptable.
- Landrace – high reproductive performance.
Breeding methods:
- Natural mating – simple but requires keeping breeding boars.
- Artificial insemination (AI) – reduces boar costs and allows access to superior genetics.
Detecting heat in sows (readiness for breeding):
- Swollen vulva
- Clear mucus discharge
- Restlessness or mounting behavior
3. Farrowing and Piglet Care
Preparation during farrowing is crucial for piglet survival.
Farmer checklist during farrowing:
- Clean piglets immediately with a cloth.
- Cut and disinfect the umbilical cord.
- Clip sharp teeth to protect the sow.
- Guide piglets to suckle as soon as possible.
Importance of colostrum:
The first milk provides antibodies that strengthen immunity — a life-or-death factor for newborns.
Piglets should stay with the sow for 30 days before weaning, after which they are transitioned to weaner feed. Sows can be mated again 7–14 days after weaning.
4. Understanding Pig Production Costs
Profitability depends on accurate cost planning.
Typical cost breakdown:
- Piglet purchase: ~E750 each.
- Feed requirement: ~3 bags from weaning to market weight.
- Feed cost: ~E440 per bag.
- A batch of 10 pigs = at least 30 bags of feed before sale.
“Success in piggery takes patience. If you manage well, the rewards will come.” – Dlamini
5. Feeding the Right Way
Nutrition is the backbone of pig farming. Feedmaster’s Mncedisi Simelane stressed that poor feeding results in stunted growth, reduced fertility, and wasted resources.
Daily feeding guide:
- Boars: Feed ad libitum (always available).
- Sows: 4kg per day to maintain reproductive health.
- Water: At least 20 litres per pig per day.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Do not feed pigs maize — it slows growth and lacks balance.
- Avoid chicken feed or non-specialized feeds.
- Always use formulated pig feeds appropriate for each growth stage: starter, weaner, grower, finisher.
6. Farmer Experiences
Workshops are not only about theory but also transformation.
“In the beginning, we faced many challenges due to lack of knowledge, which led to losses. But since attending training and working with extension officers, we’ve seen great progress. We now make a living from pig farming and even dream of exporting in the future.” – Simangele Nhlabatsi, pig farmer
7. Final Takeaway
Pig production is not a get-rich-quick venture. It requires time, discipline, and adherence to best practices. With proper housing, nutrition, and breeding, farmers can transform piggery into a reliable source of income and contribute to Eswatini’s food security and agricultural economy.
“Piggery is profitable, but only if it is done properly. Stick to the right practices, and you will see results.” – Mncedisi Simelane
✅ Use this resource as a checklist when planning or scaling your pig farming project.
With consistency and the right knowledge, pig farming can be a cornerstone of sustainable agribusiness in Eswatini.
