The characteristics of small-scale pig production at peri-urban and rural locations in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria

This study aimed to examine the socio-cultural characteristics of farmers, farming structure, reproductive and health practices in small-scale pig farms at peri-urban and rural areas in Imo State, southeast Nigeria. Primary data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 25 pig farmers at the peri-urban farms and rural farms of Imo State. The results of the survey revealed that pig houses were mostly made of concrete block (96.89%), and corrugated iron roofs. Labour demand was higher at the peri-urban than rural farms (82.35 and 53.33% respectively), while there was a general low engagement of experts for diet formulation (25.5% overall). The stocking rate was mostly 11 - 50 pigs (50.00%) and above 100 (40.63%), and are mostly exotic large white breed (65.63 %), landrace and duroc Jessie breeds (12.50% each). peri-urban farmers mostly stock 1 - 3 boars (76.47%) compared to 46.67% in the rural farms. The distribution of sows, gilts and in-pigs in the farms was, however, relatively similar across both locations. The major health conditions encountered were diarrhea (96.75% mention here), worm infestation (78.13%), and foot rot (96.88% overall respectively), trypanosomosis (50.00% in peri-urban), mange and mites (46.88% overall), swine fever (58.82 and 20.00% respectively), bacterial and respiratory infections (52.94 and 13.33% respectively). The common drugs used in the management of health conditions included ivermectin (96.88% overall), iron dextran (96.88% overall), vitamins, and antibiotics injections (87.50% overall each), and trypanosides (60.00% rural farms), among others. There are, therefore, significant variations in farming practices between peri-urban and rural farms in Imo state, which require careful consideration before implementing reproductive and health management interventions.