CHARACTERIZATION OF PIG PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN EMBU WEST SUB COUNTY, EMBU COUNTY, KENYA.

  • Private Researcher, P.O Box 1897-60200, Meru, Kenya.
  • School of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, South Eastern Kenya University, P .O. Box 170-90200, Kitui, Kenya.
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Irrigation, Kitui County, P.O. Box 289-90200, Kitui, Kenya.
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A survey to characterize pig production systems was carried out among pig farmers in Embu West Sub County in Kenya. Data was collected through observations, photography and structured questionnaires administered to 104 pig rearing households. Majority (63.3%) kept between 1 to 4 pigs. About 85% utilised family labour with 70% of the households having between 2 to 5 members. Large White was the main breed type (65.4%). Breeding stock was mainly sourced locally from other farmers (95.2%). All farmers practiced intensive mixed production system. Main production challenges were lack of high quality breeding stock (95.2%), feeding (95%), housing (88%) and diseases and pests (84%). Majority (92.3%) slaughtered and sold pork locally. About 40.4% and 10.6% of the pig farmers were members to Saccos and table banking groups respectively. Other livestock kept include; poultry, mostly free range (97.1%), cattle, mainly for dairy (93.3%), shoats (16.3%) and fish (1.0%).

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[Kithinji R. Kirima, Kanui T. Ikusya, Ndathi J. N Aphaxard and Mwobobia R. Murangiri. (2017); CHARACTERIZATION OF PIG PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN EMBU WEST SUB COUNTY, EMBU COUNTY, KENYA. Int. J. of Adv. Res. 5 (Jun). 1527-1533] (ISSN 2320-5407). www.journalijar.com

Mwobobia R. Murangiri
Private Researcher, P.O Box 1897-60200, Meru, Kenya

DOI:

Article DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/4566      
DOI URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/4566

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