LANDBOU
ference was to farm with pigs for the simple reason that they are more profitable than chickens , for example .
“ You must remember that a sow , giving birth for the first time , will give around eight to ten piglets . The second time she gives you more . In order to diversify and spread risk , I would like to farm chickens too , but according to agricultural laws , you can ’ t keep both on the same farm . The advantage of chickens is that they are an excellent source of cash flow because they can be marketed way quicker – at six to eight weeks . Whereas pigs take five months .”
Despite having the knowledge and
infrastructure , the end to the obstacles was nowhere near nigh . The South African Pork Produ-cers Organisation ( SAPPO ) recommends that new pig farmers start with a herd of 250 sows in order to cover their overhead costs and make a profit . The start-up costs for such an enterprise is estimated at around R25 million which is quite prohibitive .
Nontando was undeterred and started farming .
“ Sows are ready to start breeding at seven months . When she is in heat you put her with a boar for five to ten minutes in the morning after which you separate them because
1 . Sows are ready to breed at seven months and , once pregnant , they are put in single pens to avoid stress .
1 .
41 MARKtoe ! Mei 2023