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: 3
Grade code: 3.2.1.LI.3
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.2.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.2.1.LI.3
Theme: FARMING FOR JOBS AND INCOMES
Subtheme: ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF PIGS AND FISH
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Welcome, students! Today, we are exploring a very exciting and profitable area of agriculture: the economic production of pigs and fish. In Ghana, pork (popularly known as 'domedo') and fish like tilapia and catfish are in very high demand. This makes pig and fish farming a powerful business opportunity for creating jobs and generating stable income. This lesson moves beyond just raising animals; it teaches you how to raise them as a successful business, understanding the costs, the management required for maximum profit, and how to sell your products effectively. This knowledge can empower you to become an entrepreneur or a skilled farm manager in Ghana's growing agricultural sector.
This topic is divided into two main parts: Pig Production and Fish Production. We will treat each as a business venture. PART A: ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF PIGS (PIGGERY)
A1. Introduction to Pig Farming Pigs are monogastric (single-stomached) animals raised for their meat, called pork. They are an excellent choice for commercial farming due to two main reasons: High Prolificacy: A female pig (sow) can give birth to a large litter of 8-15 piglets at once, and can farrow (give birth) twice a year. This means rapid multiplication of stock. Efficient Feed Conversion: Pigs are very good at converting feed into meat. A good 'Feed Conversion Ratio' (FCR) for a pig is around 3:1, meaning it takes about 3 kg of feed to produce 1 kg of live weight gain.
A2. Common Breeds in Ghana Large White: A large, white-skinned pig known for its excellent mothering ability, large litter size, and good quality meat (pork). It's one of the most popular commercial breeds worldwide and in Ghana. Landrace: A long-bodied, white pig with droopy ears. They are known for high fertility and producing good bacon. Duroc: A reddish-brown pig known for its hardiness, fast growth rate, and lean meat. They are often cross-bred with other breeds to improve toughness. Ashanti Black Pig: A local, hardy breed that is well-adapted to the Ghanaian environment. It is smaller and grows slower than exotic breeds but is very resistant to local diseases.
A3. Essential Management Practices Housing: A good pigsty must be clean, dry, and secure. Floor: Must be strong concrete, sloped for easy drainage to prevent dampness and disease spread. Wallow: A small, shallow pool of water for pigs to cool themselves down, as they don't have sweat glands. Space: Must be adequate to avoid overcrowding. Different sections are needed: for the boar (male), for pregnant and nursing sows (farrowing pen), and for young pigs (weaner/grower pens). Feeding: This is the BIGGEST cost in pig farming (about 70-80%). Feed Types: Pigs can eat a wide variety of food. For commercial success, a balanced diet is crucial. Concentrates: Specially formulated feeds (e.g., Pig Creep, Grower Mash, Finisher Mash). They are expensive but ensure fast growth. Farm By-products: Cassava peels, cocoyam, brewery mash (spent grain), palm kernel cake, and kitchen waste can supplement feed and reduce costs. Important: Kitchen waste must be boiled before feeding to kill harmful bacteria. Feeding Regimen: Piglets (Creep feed): High-protein diet for young pigs still suckling. Weaners/Growers: Feed designed for rapid muscle and frame development. Finishers: High-energy diet to fatten them for market. Sows/Boars: Maintenance diet to keep them healthy for breeding. Health Management (Biosecurity): Prevention is Key: Keep the pigsty clean, provide clean water, and control visitors to the farm. Common Diseases: African Swine Fever (highly contagious and deadly), Mange (skin disease), and worms. Control: Regular deworming, vaccination programs, and immediate isolation of sick animals. A footbath with disinfectant at the entrance of the farm is a good biosecurity measure.