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
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Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6
Grade code: 3.2.2.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.2.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.2.2.LI.2
Theme: FARMING FOR JOBS AND INCOMES
Subtheme: ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF PIGS AND FISH
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Welcome, future agri-preneurs! Today's lesson focuses on the economic production of pigs and fish, two of the most important sources of animal protein and income in Ghana. We will move beyond just knowing what a pig or fish is, to understanding how to raise them as a profitable business. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring food security in our communities, creating jobs for yourselves and others, and contributing to Ghana's agricultural economy. This lesson is practical and designed to give you the skills to plan, set up, and manage your own small-scale piggery or fish farm.
This lesson is divided into two main parts: Part A: Economic Pig Production (Piggery) and Part B: Economic Fish Production (Aquaculture). Part A: Economic Pig Production (Piggery)
Piggery is the branch of animal husbandry concerned with the raising and breeding of domestic pigs as livestock for meat (pork) and other products. For it to be "economic," every Cedi invested must bring a profitable return. Site Selection and Housing: Site Selection: Location: The site should be located away from residential areas to avoid conflicts over odour. Accessibility: It should be accessible by road for easy transportation of feed, piglets, and market-ready pigs. Water Source: A reliable source of clean water is non-negotiable for drinking and cleaning. Drainage: The land should be well-drained to prevent mud and the buildup of pathogens. A gentle slope is ideal. Security: The site should be secure to prevent theft and the entry of stray animals. Housing (The Pigsty): A good pigsty protects pigs from sun, rain, and theft. The floor should be concrete, sloped for easy drainage, and non-slippery. Semi-intensive System: This system, as mentioned in the NaCCA exemplar, involves confining the pigs in a house (sty) but also providing an outdoor area or yard (paddock) for exercise. This improves animal welfare. Types of Pens: Boar Pen: For housing the breeding male. Farrowing Pen: For pregnant sows to give birth and nurse piglets. It has "creep rails" to protect piglets from being crushed. Weaner Pen: For piglets after they are weaned (separated from the mother). Grower/Fattener Pen: For growing pigs until they reach market weight. Selection of Breeds: The choice of breed affects growth rate, meat quality, and disease resistance. Exotic Breeds (Common in Ghana): Large White: Known for large litter size, good mothering ability, and high-quality lean meat. Landrace: Long-bodied, known for excellent bacon production and large litters. Duroc: Reddish-brown, known for fast growth rate and good meat quality. Local Breeds (e.g., Ashanti Black): They are hardier and more resistant to local diseases but grow slower and have smaller litters. Crossbreeding exotic and local breeds can combine the best traits. Feeds and Feeding: Feed constitutes about 70-80% of the total cost of pig production. Efficient feeding is key to profitability. Nutrient Requirements: Pigs need a balanced diet of carbohydrates (for energy), proteins (for growth), vitamins, and minerals. Common Feed Ingredients in Ghana: Maize, cassava peels, rice bran, palm kernel cake, wheat bran, fish meal, and soybean meal. Types of Rations: Creep Feed: For suckling piglets. Weaner Mash: High in protein for newly weaned pigs. Grower Mash: For pigs from about 25kg to 60kg. Finisher Mash: High in energy to fatten pigs for market (>60kg). Health Management & Biosecurity: Biosecurity: These are measures to prevent diseases from entering or spreading on the farm. It is the CHEAPEST way to control diseases. Fencing: Secure perimeter fencing is the first line of defence. Footbaths: Place disinfectant-filled footbaths at the entrance of the farm and each pen. Isolation: Isolate new animals for at least 30 days before introducing them to the main herd. Control Visitors: Limit human and vehicle traffic onto the farm. Common Diseases: African Swine Fever (ASF): A highly contagious viral disease with no cure or vaccine. It causes high fever, internal bleeding, and almost 100% mortality. Strict biosecurity is the only protection. Internal/External Parasites: Worms, ticks, and lice. Regular deworming and spraying are essential. Vaccination: Vaccinate against diseases like Erysipelas as recommended by veterinary officers. Record Keeping and Economics: "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it." Essential Records: Date of birth, number of piglets born, feed consumption, weight records, vaccination dates, mortality. Key Economic Indicator: Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) FCR measures how efficiently an animal converts feed into body mass. A lower FCR is better and more profitable. Formula: FCR = Total Feed Consumed (kg) / Total Weight Gained (kg)