Keeping Pigs

Keeping pigs can be a rewarding endeavor for lifestyle farmers in New Zealand, providing a source of meat, fertilizer, and even companionship. Here's a basic guide to help you get started:

1. Choosing the Right Breed

• Select a pig breed that suits your needs and environment. Some popular pig breeds in New Zealand include the Large White, Duroc, Berkshire, and Tamworth.
• Consider factors such as temperament, size, growth rate, and suitability for your farming practices.

2. Housing and Fencing

• Housing should be cool and sturdy. The pig has no furry coat so needs protection from the sun and cold. Pigs have a strong, sensitive snout with a set of powerful muscles, so pig houses should be solidly made.
• Provide a secure and comfortable housing area for your pigs. This could be a sturdy pig pen or a pig house.
• Ensure adequate ventilation and protection from extreme weather conditions.
• Use strong fencing to contain your pigs and prevent them from escaping. Electric fencing can be effective for this purpose.

3. Feeding and Nutrition

• Pigs have diverse dietary needs depending on their age, size, and purpose (e.g., breeding, fattening, or pet).
• A pig must eat 3 kg of feed to gain 1 kg of weight. A typical total feed requirement (to reach slaughtering weight) is 270 to 320 kgs.
• A balanced diet typically includes grains, vegetables, fruits, and occasionally meat or dairy by-products.
• Consult with a veterinarian or livestock nutritionist to formulate a feeding plan tailored to your pigs' requirements.

5. Breeding and Reproduction

• If you plan to breed your pigs, ensure you have suitable breeding stock and facilities.
• Learn about pig breeding cycles and reproductive management techniques.
• Provide appropriate care for pregnant sows and newborn piglets, including proper nutrition and housing.
• Breeding for Leanness: Modern pigs are bred to be lean and meaty, unlike the fat ones that were popular when lard brought a high price. You can recognise a meat-type pig from its wide, straight stance, and long lean muscular physique with thick shoulders and hams.

6. Handling and Training

• Handle your pigs calmly and gently to build trust and minimize stress.
• Train your pigs to respond to basic commands and behaviors, such as walking on a lead or entering a trailer.

7. Waste Management

• Implement a waste management plan to handle pig manure and bedding effectively.
• Compost pig waste to produce organic fertilizer for your farm or garden.

8. Legal Considerations

• Familiarize yourself with local regulations and ordinances governing pig farming, including zoning restrictions and animal welfare standards.
• Obtain any necessary permits or licenses for keeping pigs on your property.

Pigs for Companionship

Being intelligent animals, pigs are companionable creatures. They can become bored easily and ideally, need to be able to forage in the open. Confined pigs need something to distract them such as a pile of straw, bucket of cabbage stalks, or a dangling chain from the roof. Bored pigs tend to misbehave, so try keep your pigs amused! Keeping a pig as a pet can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it's important to understand the responsibilities and considerations involved.