Pig producers applaud top-quality genetics
AFTER importing 153 top-quality pig genetics from South Africa under the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP) VALUE project in 2020, farmers who cross-bred their animals with the imports have applauded the programme saying it had produced wonderful results in boosting production and disease resistance in pigs.
ZAGP VALUE Project interim team leader Mr Pepukai Muchazondida said the project was producing mind blowing results and all the 153 imported pigs were still surviving.
Mr Muchazondida said the project had helped develop resistance to diseases among pig herds across the country.
“Imported pig genetics are often selected for their disease resistance traits and by introducing these genetics into smallholder pig populations, farmers can reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and minimise losses due to illnesses. This can contribute to more sustainable and resilient pig farming practices,” he added.
Through the superior imported pig genetics, it has significantly enhanced the productivity of smallholder farmers.
He added: “These genetics are often bred for traits such as fast growth rates, increased litter sizes, high litter birth weight, short weaning days, and improved feed efficiency leading to higher production levels and improved profitability. “Based on the performance results, for example, litter sizes of plus or minus 13 were recorded, which was much higher than the industry average of less than 11. The highest litter size recorded was 31 piglets at Tarara Farm in Marondera. They also grow fast, for example, early weaning is at four weeks instead of five with early marketing at 18 weeks (55kg cold dressed mass) instead of marketing at 22 weeks at 55kg cold dressed mass.”
Meanwhile, three among the 13 farmers who jointly imported genetics from SA together with the Pig Industry Board (PIB) under the project facilitation gave their testimonies on how the top-quality genetics improved production.
Mashonaland East Syndicate Board chairperson Mr Kennedy Dongo who got four pigs from the imported genetics expressed his gratitude towards this programme.
“On behalf of Mashonaland East pig farmers, selected breeders and the community at large I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to our ZAGP VALUE Project partners and Action Aid Zimbabwe for leading the process of importing superior pig genetics and delivering to the farmers.
“It is a great milestone, as a new era has been ushered into pig production. Good genetics form the foundation for accelerated growth in pig production and thus enhances economic growth manifesting through improved livelihoods of the people in our communities,” said Mr Dongo.
Another beneficiary from Goromonzi district, Ms Barbra Ruwodo, said the new pig breed did not only improve the productivity and growth rate of her pigs, but had enhanced the overall quality of the meat.
“Based on performance of other improved pigs I got from previous imports, I am now able to command better prices in the market and generate higher profits. This support has transformed my livelihood and given me hope for a brighter future,” said Mrs Ruwodo.
Tarara Farm owner Kimberly Nyatanga applauded the project saying it had made a great impact on her farm.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to jointly import pigs with other farmers under ZAGP VALUE project support. The imported pig breeds have brought a new level of resilience to my farm.”