At present, raising pigs remains a crucial income source for many farmers and a reliable path for some specialized breeders to achieve wealth. The key to successful pig farming lies in adapting to local conditions and selecting the right pig breed that suits the farmer's resources and environment.
For small-scale family farms, native pigs are often the best choice. Local breeds in China are known for their resilience to roughage, ability to withstand hunger, and adaptability to harsh climates. They are also less prone to diseases and can thrive on locally available feed such as rice bran, corn stalks, wild grasses, and by-products from rice milling. By supplementing these with some agricultural byproducts like corn and bran, farmers can keep feeding costs low and maintain healthy livestock.
However, if you're only raising a few pigs, it's not advisable to choose lean-type pigs. These require high-protein feeds rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which are difficult to achieve with homemade or roughage-based diets. As a result, free-range farming is generally unsuitable for lean pigs, as they may not grow properly or reach market weight efficiently.
On the other hand, large-scale pig farming should focus on lean-type pigs. These breeds grow faster and convert feed more efficiently. With commercial compound feed, they can gain up to 0.75 kg per day, reaching slaughter weight in about 160 days. Their meat commands a higher price—around 1 yuan per kilogram more than local pigs—leading to a net profit of 200–300 yuan per pig.
It’s important to note that local breeds are not suitable for large-scale operations due to their slow growth rates, poor feed efficiency, and lower market value. This makes them less profitable and riskier for commercial farming.
When raising lean-type pigs, it’s essential to use standardized breeds, commonly known as "three-way crossbred pigs." These are high-quality hybrids developed through multiple crosses of lean-type breeds from different countries. Farmers should purchase these from nationally recognized breeding farms rather than buying so-called "purebred" pigs from the market, which may not meet quality standards or genetic performance.
By making informed choices and adapting practices to their specific situation, farmers can maximize profitability and sustainability in pig farming.
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