Guest on the line: Gugulethu G. Xaba -Chairman Adamo Holdings (Pty) Ltd / Amandla Omnotho

 

Pig farming remains one of the most popular agricultural trends in South Africa. There is a large demand for pork in South Africa, and pig farming is a lower-cost/higher-yield option compared to many other types of livestock farming. This makes it a popular option for first-time livestock farmers.

Which Breed of Pig is Most Profitable in South Africa?

There are over 50 breeds of pigs farmed in South Africa for their meat. The most popular breeds are Landrace, Large White, and Duroc.

New pig farmers generally prefer Large White and Landrace breeds, as these pigs breed quickly and have large numbers of offspring. Duroc pigs are known for their excellent meat quality and large growth.

Most commercial pig farmers in South Africa make the most of the characteristics of each pig breed by using generation one cross (F1). F1 is what commercial pig production in South Africa is based on, and it is what helps create the most profitable pigs.

Pig farmers could also opt for more specialist pig breeds if they can find the right market for them. However, these pig breeds, such as the Large Black or Red Wattle Hog, tend to produce less meat at a higher cost, making them less profitable.