At present, pig farming remains a crucial source of income for many farmers, and it also serves as a reliable path for some specialized breeders to achieve wealth. The key to successful pig raising lies in choosing the right breed that suits the farmer's specific conditions and resources.
For small-scale family farms, local breeds are often the best choice. Native pigs across China are known for their hardiness, ability to survive on roughage, and resistance to harsh climates. They can thrive on by-products like rice bran, leftover meals, and wild plants found in the fields. When combined with some agricultural by-products such as corn and bran, the feeding cost remains low and manageable for small farmers.
However, if you're only raising a few pigs, it's not advisable to keep lean-type pigs. These pigs require high-protein feed with a balanced mix of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which is difficult to achieve with a diet mainly based on farm scraps. The protein content in roughage is usually insufficient, making it unsuitable for lean pigs. Therefore, free-range farming in rural areas is not ideal for raising lean-type pigs.
On the other hand, large-scale pig farming should focus on lean-type breeds. These pigs grow faster and convert feed more efficiently. With commercial compound feed, they can gain up to 0.75 kg per day. Under proper management, piglets can be ready for slaughter in about 160 days. They typically sell at a higher price—about 1 yuan per kilogram more than local pigs—resulting in a net profit of 200 to 300 yuan per animal.
It's important to note that local breeds are not suitable for large-scale operations. Their growth rates are slower, feed conversion is less efficient, and their market value is lower. This leads to longer production cycles and lower profitability, sometimes even resulting in losses.
When raising lean-type pigs, it’s essential to use standardized breeds, commonly known as "three-way crossbreds." These pigs are the result of multiple generations of crossbreeding from foreign lean-type breeds. Farmers should purchase them from nationally recognized breeding farms rather than buying "purebred" pigs from the market, as the latter may not meet quality standards or genetic performance requirements.
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