Pork Production in Nigeria: The ability to create a business. Part One.

Although for various reasons, a  lot of Nigerians find it very difficult to make pig meat ( Pork) a substitute for beef, chicken or goat meat. For others,  pigs are perceived to be very dirty animals and as such highly prone to worms and bacterial infections. Whether for religious or scientific reasons, we cannot undermine the fact that pork is highly rich in protein and can be a very good substitute for other sources of meat protein in our diet.

As for the business opportunities, investors are beginning seek new ways of producing quality pig meat not only suitable for the Nigerian Market but also for exports. For example, we just entered a joint venture arrangement with a Danish Pig breeding company to establish a breeding centre here in Nigeria with high quality European standards. Also, with fresh foods supermarket chains like 'Shoprite' springing up around various parts of Nigeria, signing an off taker agreement could place your agribusiness among successful businesses in the country.

Pork is the culinary name for meat from the domestic pig. It is one of the most widely eaten meats in the world, accounting for about 38% of meat production worldwide, although consumption varies widely from place to place. An interesting data shows that nearly 100 million metric tons of pork were consumed worldwide in 2006 (preliminary data). Increasing urbanization and disposable income has led to a rapid rise in pork consumption in China. In this article , I am going to show you the various ways and opportunities in  raising high quality pigs to produce high grade pork for global consumption.

Breeding of Pigs.

The pig is one of the oldest domesticated animals, majority of the breeds descended from Europe and Asia (Eurasian Wild Boar).  Scientific studies show that domestication of pigs started as early as 5000 years ago.  Pigs have become vital to the economy in parts of the world especially in Europe, Latin America and Asia.  The adult male pig is referred to as ‘Boar’ while the female is called ‘Sow’. 

Breeds of Pigs.

Just like Dogs, the choice of breed selection is determined by the purpose which you intend to achieve. Some dogs are bred for security and others strictly for companionship. Breeds of Pigs on the other hand are selected for various reasons suitable for the farmer. Here are the main breeds and their characteristics available for producing high quality pork.

1.      Large White.

Characteristics of the Large White.

a.       They are often distinguished by their erect ears and slightly dished faces.

b.      They are long bodied with excellent hams and fine white hair.

c.       They are very prolific, late maturing with good mothering ability.

d.      Fairly hardy animal.

2       2. Land Race.

Characteristics of the Land Race.

a         It performs well under good management

b    They are white in colour

c     Large dropping ears and straight snout.

d.        They have the longest body size.

e    The female (Sow) produces and rear large litters of piglets with very good daily gain.

f.       High lean meat content ideal for either pork or bacon production.

33,       Duroc (Duroc Jersey)

Characteristics of the Duroc.

a.       They are golden brown to black in colour

b.      Thick auburn coat and hard skin

c.       Have small slightly drooping ears and arc back.

d.      It is associated with its quick growth , deep body , broad ham and shoulder.

e.       It is very Docile.

44.  Hampshire.

Characteristics of the Hampshire.

a.       It is black

b.      Easily recognized by white belt around the shoulder, including the front feet.

c.       Have erect ears

d.      Highly prolific and good survival rate of piglets

e.       One of the world most important breeds

f.       Produces abundance of lean meat.

g.      Has more meat than the Large white and Landrace.

5.    5. Pietrain Breed

a.       White in colour with black spots

b.      Ears are erect

c.       Famous for its very high lean meat yield

d.      Because it is highly associated with presence of the halothane gene responsible  for porcine stress syndrome, it is therefore not desirable as a pure bred but can be used in cross bred artificial terminal sire line.

6.      Indigenous Breed.

a.       Form the Largest breed of pig in the country

b.      They are usually characterized by stunted growth

c.       Poor reproductive performance, with three piglets per litter.

d.      They are very hardy

e.       They have pointed snout and sharp feet

f.       Skin coloration could be black, black with white or grey patches or can be pure brown.

TALON- DANBRED BREEDING PROGRAM.

The Danish breeding is organized by the Danish pig producers and has existed since the late 1800. The sole aim of the breeding program is to develop breeding pigs which meet the demands for an efficient and competitive global product. The Talon – Danbred joint venture is to establish one of these centres here in Nigeria and to supply pig farms in Africa high quality breeding  pigs. This program is known worldwide for high productivity, good longevity, superb meat quality, low slaughter loss and overall production which focus on animal health, animal welfare and continued genetic development.

The Danbred Breeds.

1.      Danish Landrace.

2.      Yorkshire / Danish Large white

3.      Danish Duroc

4.      Dan Hybrid.

In the concluding part of this interesting piece, I will talk more on the various characteristics of each breed, processing and packaging of pork. Leave your comments, questions and remarks as I will gladly answer all questions.

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