Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF PIGS AND FISH
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ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF PIGS AND FISH
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Grade code: 3.2.1.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.2.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.2.1.LI.2
Theme: FARMING FOR JOBS AND INCOMES
Subtheme: ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF PIGS AND FISH
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Welcome, future agri-entrepreneurs! Today, we are exploring two very profitable and important livestock enterprises in Ghana: pig farming (piggery) and fish farming (aquaculture). As our population grows, the demand for affordable protein sources like pork and fish is constantly increasing. Understanding how to raise these animals efficiently and economically is not just about passing exams; it is a direct pathway to creating jobs, ensuring food security for our communities, and building a successful business. This lesson will equip you with the fundamental knowledge to plan, manage, and succeed in pig and fish production.
This section breaks down the essential knowledge needed for successful pig and fish farming. PART A: ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF PIGS (PIGGERY)
Pigs are one of the most efficient converters of feed to meat. They have a high fecundity (produce many offspring) and a short generation interval, making them excellent for commercial farming. Breeds and Selection: Choosing the right breed is the first step to profitability. We select breeds based on growth rate, meat quality, litter size, and adaptability to our tropical climate. Large White (Yorkshire): The most popular breed in Ghana. Known for its large size, excellent mothering ability, large litter sizes (10-14 piglets), and high-quality lean meat (pork). They are white, with erect ears. Landrace: Another white breed, but with large, drooping ears that cover their eyes. They are known for their length, which gives excellent bacon, and are also good mothers with large litters. Duroc: A reddish-brown breed known for its hardiness, rapid growth rate, and well-marbled, flavourful meat. They are often crossbred with Large Whites or Landrace to improve the vigour of the offspring. Ashanti Black Pig (Local Breed): A smaller, black-skinned pig. While it grows slower than exotic breeds, it is extremely hardy, resistant to many local diseases, and can survive on less expensive, locally foraged feed. It is excellent for crossbreeding to improve the resilience of other breeds.
Economic Consideration: For a commercial venture aiming for fast returns, a purebred or crossbred Large White or Landrace is ideal. For a low-input system, starting with an improved local breed or a cross might be more sustainable. Housing (The Piggery): A good house protects pigs from sun, rain, and theft, and ensures easy management and hygiene. System Types: Deep Litter System: The floor is covered with a thick layer (about 15-30 cm) of absorbent material like wood shavings, sawdust, or rice husks. Manure and urine mix with the litter and decompose. It's cheaper to construct but requires regular management of the litter to prevent dampness and disease. Concrete Floor System: The floor is made of concrete, sloped towards a drainage channel for easy washing. It is more expensive to build but much easier to clean and disinfect, leading to better hygiene. This is the preferred system for intensive commercial production. Key Housing Features: Space: A grown pig (finisher) needs about 1.5 - 2.0 square meters. Overcrowding leads to stress, fighting, and disease. Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial to remove heat, moisture, and ammonia. Walls can be half-height (dwarf walls) with the top part covered by wire mesh. Feeding and Watering Troughs: Should be designed to prevent wastage and contamination. Heavy concrete or metal troughs are best. Farrowing Pen: A special pen for a pregnant sow to give birth (farrow). It must have creep rails (guard rails) to protect piglets from being crushed by the mother. Feeding Management: Feed accounts for 70-80% of the total cost of pig production. Efficient feeding is therefore critical for profit. Nutrient Requirements: Pigs need a balanced diet of carbohydrates (for energy), protein (for growth), vitamins, and minerals. Types of Feed (Rations): Creep Feed (Piglet Starter): A high-protein (18-20%) feed given to piglets from 7 days old until weaning. Grower Ration: Given to pigs after weaning until they reach about 60 kg. It has a moderate protein level (16%). Finisher Ration: Given to pigs from 60 kg to market weight (90-100 kg). It is higher in energy and lower in protein (14%) to promote fat deposition. Local Feed Ingredients: To reduce cost, farmers in Ghana can formulate feed using: Energy Sources: Maize, cassava peels, rice bran, millet, sorghum. Protein Sources: Soya bean meal, fish meal, palm kernel cake (PKC). Agro-industrial By-products: Brewer's spent grain, wheat bran, molasses.
Example Feed Formulation (Simple Grower Ration): Maize: 60% Palm Kernel Cake (PKC): 20% Fish Meal: 15% Vitamin/Mineral Premix: 5% Total: 100% Health Management (Biosecurity): "Prevention is better than cure." Biosecurity: A set of measures to prevent diseases from entering or spreading on the farm. Fencing: Securely fence the farm to keep out stray animals and people. Foot Dip: Place a disinfectant-filled dip at the entrance of the piggery for visitors to disinfect their footwear. Isolation: Isolate new animals for at least 30 days before introducing them to the main herd. Common Diseases: African Swine Fever (ASF): A deadly viral disease with no cure or vaccine. Symptoms include high fever, loss of appetite, and bleeding from the nose. Strict biosecurity is the only protection. Worms (Internal Parasites): Cause poor growth. Regular deworming (every 3-4 months) is essential. Mange (External Parasites): Caused by mites, leading to intense itching and skin damage. Treat with appropriate acaricides. Vaccination: Vaccinate against diseases like E. coli and Swine Erysipelas where prevalent.