Enhancing the Skills of Pig Farmers for Improved Production in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State.docx

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ENHANCING THE SKILLS NEEDED BY PIG FARMERS FOR
IMPROVING PRODUCTION IN NKANU WEST LOCAL
GOVERNMENT OF ENUGU STATE
BY
IGWESI JUDITH CHIDIMMA
2016030176801
A RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
TECHNOLOGY AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION, ENUGU
STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY (ESUT), ENUGU.
JUNE, 2021.

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TITLE PAGE
ENHANCING THE SKILLS NEEDED BY PIG FARMERS FOR
IMPROVING PRODUCTION IN NKANU WEST LOCAL
GOVERNMENT OF ENUGU STATE
IGWESI JUDITH CHIDIMMA
2016030176801
A RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
TECHNOLOGY AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION, ENUGU
STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY (ESUT), ENUGU.
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.Sc) DEGREE IN
TECHNOLOGY AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
JUNE, 2021.

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APPROVAL PAGE
This is to certify that this project titled “Improving the skill of PIG farmers for
sustainability in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State” was
carried out by Igwesi Judith Chidimma with Registration Number
2016030176801 in the Department of Technology and Vocational Education,
Faculty of Education, Enugu state University of Science and Technology. Enugu
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Bachelor of Science
(B.Sc) degree.
………………………. …………………..
DR. (Mrs.) C.U Aneke Date
Project Supervisor
……………………… …………………
DR. (Mrs.) C.U Aneke Date
……………………. …………………
Prof. Ezeamaenyi Date
Dean Faculty of Education
……………………. …………………..
External Examiner Date

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DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to God Almighty for His protection over my life and to
my lovely parents for their support.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to acknowledge the presence of God Almighty throughout the time of my
study with happiness, and for giving me the strength, wisdom, courage and ability
to complete this work. In addition I wish to express my profound gratitude and
appreciation to my project supervisor DR. Mrs. C.C Aneke for her relentless
effort in directing, correcting and proper supervision of this work to a successful
production. My sincerely appreciation goes to my H.O.D. DR. Mrs. Aneke C.U
and other lecturers in the Department and all the non-academic staff of
Technology and Vocational Education, ESUT. My grateful gratitude goes to my
family for their support and encouragement during the period of this research
work, who will never stop at any time in supporting me. And also to all my
friends, I say thank you all.

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TABLE OF CONTENT
Title page i
Approval page ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of content v
Abstract vi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study 1
Statement of the Problem 2
Purpose of the Study 6
Significance of the Study 6
Scope of the Study 7
Research Questions 7
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
History of Pig production in Nigeria 8
Ways to Enhance the Breeding Skills of pig Farmers 9
Managerial Skills Required by the Pig Farmers to Enhance Production 14
Marketing Skills Required by the Pig farmers 20
Summary of the literature Review 21
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design 23
Area of study 23
Population of the Study 24

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Sample and sampling Techniques 24
Instrument for Data Collection 24
Validation of Instrument
Reliability of Instrument 24
Method of Administration 25
Method of Data Analysis 25
Decision Rule 26
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
Research Question 1 27
Summary of Major Findings 31
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Discussion of the Findings 32
Implications of Findings 33
Recommendations 34
Limitation of the Study 34
Summary of the Study 34
Suggestion for further research 35
REFERENCES 36
APPENDIX 1 39
APPENDIX II 40

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ABSTRACT
This research work was aimed at enhancing the skills of pig farmers for improved
production in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. A survey
research design was used for the study. Area of the study was Nkanu west Local
government Area. Structured questionnaire were used for data collection, three
research questions containing 29 items were used to elite information from 58
registered farmers in Nkanu West LGA. Mean was used to analyze the research
questions. After the analysis it was found that pig farmers in Nkanu West LGA
required to be exposed to know the managerial skills in pig production and the
pig farmers in Nkanu West LGA are required to be exposed to the market skills.
Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made as follows;
Government should employ and train more extension staff to help in impacting
knowledge to the pig farmers and also pig farmers should be taught on the best
management practices for pig production to help in enhancing the skills of pig
farmers for improved production.

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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
A nation is regarded as rich when she has enough food to sustain her
population. Food is produced through agriculture. Iwena (2005) described
agriculture as the production of food and rearing of animal for human’s use.
Osinem (2008) noted that agriculture is as old as man. Man’s search for what to
eat in order to survive, led to the discovery of agriculture.
Agriculture is the source of employment to over 70% of Nigeria population
and supplies raw materials for local industries and provides income to farmers.
Aneke (2014) noted that crop and animal production is the only source of human
survival, since no human being can survive without food. An Agriculturist may
engage in crop and animal production. Many animals are kept for man’s survival,
such animals include cattle, sheep, goat, poultry, rabbit and pigs.
Pig is a non-ruminant, agronomically, it belongs to the family called Sudae,
Eze (2001). Pig is among mongastric or non ruminant animal which belong to the
family called Sudae. There are of two main species of pigs sus-sacrofa and sus
vittatus. It is kept as domestic animal in Nigeria.
Pig production in Nigeria has been mainly under the small scale
production. Pig rearing is popular in many parts of Africa. Nigeria has the highest

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pig production in Africa, (Eze, 2001). Small scale pig production is one of the
venture most youths of Nkanu West go into. The meat (pork) is a valuable source
of protein that sustains her population. It should not be neglected or ignored. It
should be moved forward for a better result. Therefore, government and private
enterprises should not relent on their effort for making small scale industries
assume their rightful role in the economy of Nigeria, (Onuoha 2010).
Pig farming helps to increase the production rates of animal protein which
is far better than that of plant protein because protein lacks or contains low level
of one or two amino acid that is good for human health, Onuoha (2010). Philips
(2005) reported that proteins which pig supplies is important constituents of
structure like the skin. The author noted that protein apart from its palatability is
essential for normal physical and mental development of the body and reduces
the deficiency of high incidence of infant mortality.
Eze (2001) expressed that the benefit derived from pig include the
following:
 Pigs are highly prolific animal, if properly managed during the period, they
can produce up to 16 piglets in one litter.
 Pigs farrows twice a year producing about 10-12 piglets in one batch. The
meat is lean-white meat unlike the red meat produced by animals like cow,
sheep, goat and buffalo.

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 The pig skin is used in leather production of hand bags and books binding
or covers.
 The pig bristles are used in making brushes
 Pigs have an excellent dressing percentage
 The salvage value of pig is high, that is the price at which an old pig can
be sold is high.
 Pigs requires a very little investment in terms of building an equipment.
 Pork is as good source of protein. It is high in energy, attractive, nutritious,
tasty and tender. This quality has increased the demand for pork meat.
Youths and people who are unemployed need to be empowered to go into
pig farming to meet this increase in demand. This will reduce unemployment rate
in Nigeria and also providing adequate quality meat (protein) required for a
healthy living. Youths in Nkanu West local government area are into pig
production but they are not skilled.
The skills of these youths need to be enhanced. Enhancement in the view
of Princeton in improving something. Ejiofor (2010) described improvement as
a means of changing a situation for better. It is an activity undertaken based on
meeting the required target. Activities which might led to improvement may be
education, organizing seminar, organizing visits of extension workers. If the skills
of these pig farmers are enhanced, there will be sufficient source of protein for
human consumption.

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Production is defined by business dictionary (2010) as the process and
methods employed to transform input into use material, for instance, pig could be
transformed to useful food to satisfy human want. Production of pig to satisfy
human want (food) would be made possible when knowledge of the producer is
enhanced and resources made available for him. When the farmer becomes
equipped with knowledge, he can utilize inputs such as feed, water, etc to produce
pigs.
The enhancement activities are required and it is expected that the
government, individuals, philanthropist and Non-Governmental Organization
who knows the relevance of making food available for the population need to
have their hands in empowering the youths through financial support, education,
training and skill acquisition programme through extension agents etc. The
extension agents are trained to help out farmers, also the teachers of agriculture
may be of help to direct the farmers. When the required help and guidance is
given to the farmers, they will be skilful.
Skills include having knowledge, ability and developing the right attitude
required for pig production. Eze (2001), stated that for pig production to be
effective, the farmers need to have knowledge of the good health management,
good feeding regime, sanitation management. Stocking ration ability, breed
selection ability of the pigs among others.

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The case of Nkanu west LGA, pig producers is far-fetched from the skills
required for effectiveness in pig production. There is low production. They
therefore need to understand the skills involve in breeding, management and
marketing. These low skill level required to be enhanced. For instance, if pigs are
properly managed, due to applying required skills, they can farrow up to 16
piglets. But because of not acquiring the required skills, the pigs may farrow just
4, 6 or 8. Further, there is high rate of mortality because of poor management. If
the skills of these pig farmers are not enhanced, there will always be low
production of pigs in Nkanu West Local Government Area. Hence, the need to
enhance the skills of pig farmers for improved production in Nkanu West LGA.
Statement of Problem
Pig is a non-ruminant animal and is very nutritious in supplying protein in
different dishes. It is highly prolific and gives quick return. Due to the
lucrativeness, youth keep them to engage themselves for sustainability. These
youths go into the production without the required skills, as a result of this, they
experience low productivity. Because they do not get the expected income from
it, most of them leave the business while those who continue, show low morale.
If the skills of the youths are enhanced, they will perform better. Hence the study
to determine the strategies for enhancing skills of pig farmer for enhance
productivity. Skills of these pig farmers is enhanced because they do not have the
required skills of knowledge. Pig do not perform well and this make most youths

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to lose morale in the production, some leave it entirely and roam about the streets.
It is therefore imperative to determine strategies for enhancing the skills of pig
farmers in Nkanu West to improve their production.
Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of the study is to determine the skills needed by pig
farmers for improving production in Nkanu West local government area of Enugu
state. Specifically, the study intends to;
1. determine ways to enhance the breeding skills required by pig farmers in
Nkanu West L.G.A. of Enugu State.
2. determine the managerial skills required to enhance production of pig
farmers in Nkanu West L.G.A. of Enugu State.
3. determine the marketing skills required by pig farmers in Nkanu West
L.G.A. of Enugu State.
Significance of the Study
The study will be of great importance to unemployed youths, the
government, the communities, for it will bridge the backdrop of meat and
unemployment in the local government. The study will enlighten any farmer who
would like to go into pig production to know how to manage his pig production.
It will improve and increase the employment rate of youths in Nkanu West L.G.A
because when they learn the skills they will perform better in the production of

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pig and the communities will have more meat that has a large quantity of protein
which will limit the protein deficiency both in adult and younger people.
Scope of the Study
The research work was limited to enhancing skills needed by pig farmers
for improved production in Nkanu West L.G.A. of Enugu State. It will examine
the breeding skills, the management skills, marketing skills, contributions of pig
farming, health management, feeds and feeding in pig production enhancement
in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Research Questions
The following research questions guided the study;
1. What were the breeding skills required to enhanced production of pigs in
Nkanu West L.G.A. of Enugu State?
2. What were the managerial skills required to enhance production of pigs in
3. What were the marketing skills required to enhance production of pigs in

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CHAPTER TWO
RELATED LITERATURE REVIEWED
In this chapter, related literature was reviewed under the following headings;
- The history of pig production in Nigeria.
- Ways to enhance the breeding skills of pig farmers.
- Managerial skills required by pig farmers to enhance production.
- Marketing skills required by the pig farmers.
- Summary of literature review.
History of Pig Production in Nigeria
The word pig, hog and swine are all generic terms without regard to gender,
size of breed, pigs originated from Eurasian wild boars. A pig is any of the
animals in the genus sus. They are domesticated animals.
Classification of Pigs
Kingdom-Animalia, phylum-chrodate, class-mammalian, sub-class-
Theria, infra class-Eutheria, order-Ariodactyle, family-Suidae, sub-family-suinae
and Genus-sus.
Pig production in Nigeria is merely distributed due to the regional
difference in social, cultural and religious attitude of the population. In the
northern part of the country few pigs are kept because of the northern are

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predominantly Muslims, forbids the eating of pig meat. Devendra and Fuller
(2003). They also stated that many part of the tropics are too hot and dry to be
ideally suited for pig production. Social factors have also contributed to the
production of pig in Nigeria. These include consumer’s preference for other
sources of meat especially those from ruminant animals. Pig production in
Nigeria has been small scale levels.
Successful pig production begins with careful selection of highly
productive and profitable breeds. Good breeds should be obtained from a breed
that produces large litters of fast gaining meat types, the breeds should be free
from hereditary defeats and possess good genetic potentials to convert feed into
pork effectively Philips (2005).
Adaku (2007), stated that the pig farmers, no matter how good. It cannot
do better than the animals’ genetic potentials for the production.
Improvement in productive parameters can thus be achieve only by
selection of breeds with superior genetic makeup as the parents for the next
generation. Since the primary objectives of pig farming is meat production. Due
to this, the farmer must learn to select those animals that can be manipulated
through the breeding management in order to tap that animal’s optimum potential
for meat production.

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Ways to Enhance the Breeding Skills of Pig Famers
A breed can be defined as a population of animals that is distinguishable
for other population with regard to conspicuous characteristics that are generally
determined as was defined by Philips (2005).
There are different types of breeds of pigs, they are either indigenous or
exotic types which are gotten through cross breeding, a cross breed pig.
Tamiworth, chesterwhite, Hereford, pietrain, spot, landrace, largewhite,
Berkshire, duroc jersy, Poland China, American land race and West African
dwarf pig.
All the breed types are grouped into three types; meat type, land type and
the Beacon type.
Description of some Pig Breeds
- West African dwarf pigs: These are the Nigeria indigenous pigs found
mainly in the southern part of the country. They are kept mostly under
extensive system as scavengers. They therefore spend most of their time in
dirty marshy areas where they wallow and eat any rubbish they find.
- Land race: this is characterized by its forward pointing lop ears and white
coat/skin colour. It is a large-sized breed, which originated from
Scandinavia. It possesses long smooth body with well-developed ham,
straight broad back, short legs and straight snout. It’s equally favoured for

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cross breeding programs because it is prolific, early maturing with
excellent mothering qualities and produces lean, fast growing progenies.
- Large white: this is developed in Yorkshire, England but a popular breed
all over the world. The colour of the coat and skin is white. It is large sized
pig and a popular pork and bacons producing breed.
Pigs are reared mainly for meat, pig skin, bristles and manure. It is good to select
bred that are somehow dissimilar in their characteristic for cross breeding.
Ajibefun (2004); further states that for a pig farmer to practice breeding skills, he
must know the following:
- Selecting young pigs as foundation stocks. Pigs that are to be used for
breeding should possess the following features.
a. Good health and without physical defects such as lameness and inverted
nipples.
b. Eze (2001) added that it would have a good feed conversion efficiency.
c. Minimum of 14 and 12 teeth that are well developed and evenly spaced for
improved and indigenous breeds respectively. This could be selected using
past records of the breed performance, use pedigree method etc.
- Culling breeding stock: The term culling means removing some animals or
an animal from the breeding stock. It is usually done to avoid poor
performance.

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Specific reasons for culling, and animal may be removed from the breeding stock
owing to one or more of these.
- Reproductive or genetic abnormalities. Breeding female that produces
abnormal piglets with two different boars should be culled. Many
abnormalities in pigs are believed to be inherited such as hernia,
hydrocephalus and inverted nipples.
Adebambo (2003) stated that it is important to note that the genetic
influence of the boar in the next generation is greater than that of the sow since
one boar will be used to make several sows. Boar must have two equally sized
and firmly suspended testicles exhibits sex drive and avoid bad habits. Golts must
have a good underline and with at least 12 well-spaced fully formed tactas. For
the pig farmers to manage the breed and select the breeds effectively they need to
be trained or be visited by extension agents who are specifically trained to help
out farmers to gain knowledge.
Breeding Management
Young (2005), stated that indigenous pigs normally reared by farmers are
bred indiscriminately without much choice of male. Moreover, during the process
of scavenging, there is no control over breeding. Reproduction is the main
component limiting the productive efficiency of pig industry. The gilt must grow
rapidly to attain sexual maturity, initiate oestrous cycle, ovulate and be mated by

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a fertile boar or inseminated with fertile semen. The female pig becomes sexually
mature between 8-10 months depending on the breed and nutrition level. But the
local pig attains maturity at 5-6 months. The length of the oestrous cycle averages
approximately 21 days (18-24 days). Signs of heat are restlessness, loss of
appetite, increased vocalization, frequent urination, red swollen vulva, riding
other females, elevation of tail, arched back. If the female is in heat, she will
remain standstill when pressure is applied on the loin region with the palms of
both of sow/gilt is 15—24 hours after the onset of oestrus. She should be bred on
the second day if she is still in standing heat. If the female does not conceive, it
will repeat its symptoms after 21 days. Those who do not repeat are presumed to
be pregnant which however need to be confirmed or diagnosed with the help of
veterinarian.
Management Care during Pregnancy and Farrowing
After breeding, the sow should be kept in a dry clean and hygienic
enclosure in comfortable place. Akkwuosa (2009) stated that it should be closely
observed for oestrus symptoms around 20 days after breeding to assure the non-
return of oestrus and expect the conception. Pregnant sow should be shifted to a
clean farrowing house before 3 weeks of farrowing. Clean and dry bedding
material preferably of dry paddy straw or hays has to be provided in the pen. The
pregnant animal should be fed individually. In most cases, no assistance is
required during farrowing. New born piglets are active and within two minutes

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each piglets reaches a treat and attempt to stuck milk. Sometimes respiration is
delayed in new born piglets. To stimulate the respiratory activity of the piglet, the
mucous should be removed from nose and mouth. The weaker piglets should be
assisted to the teat so that they can suckle the first milk (colostrums). The placenta
may be expelled during the phase of delivery as single mass after the birth of last
piglets. Care should be taken to avoid crushing of new born piglets during and
after farrowing.
The pig farmers in Nkanu West could only be proficient in managing
pregnant, farrowing sows and weaner pigs if they are exposed to the skill involved
in them. This could be done by the extension agents/experts on pig production
may help them out.
Managerial Skills Required by Pig Farmers to Enhance Production
Good stockmanship is a basic requirement for successful livestock
production. The animal must be given adequate care before the farmers can
expect it to perform at its optimum capacity, Balonmgun (2010).
Holness (2003), noted that many farmers have lost revenue because of
insufficient idea about how to manage a pig production.
According to Philips (2005), one major problems of management is
ignorance or inadequate experience of some farmers in pig management
production, there are few methods to follow and they include:

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Daily Routine
 Animal Inspection: This is the inspection of animals very early in the
morning each day to see if there is any abnormal behaviour. Observe the
general state of health, check for parasites and injuries.
 Feeds: Animals should be fed in quantities that they can consume within
20 to 30 minutes. Leftover fed should be removed for it tends to get sour
and become a breeding ground for parasites, also watch out for any
abnormal feeding between piglets and dams provide space for each of
them.
 Cleaning: Clean up the pens to remove moist bedding and replace with dry
ones. Wash, disinfect and allow a pen to rest before moving in new
animals.
 Wallow: Eze (2001) describe a wallow as an equipment made for placing
water for the pigs. It may be made of a concrete or mud and the facility
should be refilled with fresh water frequently.
 Weaning: This is a practice of separation of young pigs from their mothers.
It usually experts stress on the young pigs. Weaning is normally
accomplished when pigs are from 6-9 weeks of age, they should be capable
of subsisting on solid feeds and feeding themselves.
 Cost in sow feed can be reduced

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 Better producing sow can be retained for longer period according to
Ajibefun, Daramola (2006).
There are three methods in rearing pig includes; extensive, intensive and semi-
intensive system. Iwena (2012), went further to explain these system of rearing.
 Extensive System Rearing of Pig: This is also known as the free range
production (scavengers). This is the traditional method of rearing pigs in
most part of the country. This type of production is very cheap and easy to
manage, but in this type if production exposes pigs to parasites, infections
and most of all harsh weather.
 Semi-intensive System: This is common among pig farmers who keep up
to 3-5 pigs in their backyards. The pigs are kept in fenced enclosure, they
depend on kitchen waste, vegetables and occasional supplement.
Management is generally minimal and productivity tends to be relatively
low.
 Intensive System: This is where the pig farmers use pig production. This
is commercial method of pig production. The breeds of pig kept will always
be the high performance exotic or hybrid pigs. The producer will either
prepare or purchase feed specifically for his pig enterprises and provide
good management in order to ensure maximum output Okoli (2006).

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Pig Housing and Equipment Required
The most productive pigs are those confined in a thermally neutral
environment, where pigs neither use feed energy to keep warm nor reduce feed
intake to keep cool, Tewe (2010). While selecting the site for pig farm, it must be
near to town/city to avoid transportation, cost of feed or other requirements and
to no avail marketing facilities.
Housing is required for the animals to protect them from rain, wind, storm
and sunlight, cold and extreme climate. The pig house may be of brick wall or
asbestos sheet roofing. Floor should be cemented for easy cleaning and hygienic
point of view. It is easy to manage animals in indoor system.
However, in open air system possibilities of contamination of diseases are
more than indoor system. Each animal of different categories requires a minimum
floor space for housing.
Osaro (2003), states that adequate considerations must be given to factors
that will check effects of excess heat and humidity. It is important to minimize
temperature variation by keeping the pigs cool on hot days and warm or cold
heights. Also the rapid growth and development. The pig producer must have
access to experts’ information on appropriate designs and invest cost of pig
housing in his environment. It is important to make available necessary

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equipment in pig houses. Such equipment includes farrowing crates, farrowing
ran, weaner cages and water trough/feeder.
Management of pigs during hot weather: pigs have better mechanism for retaining
heat due to a well-developed subcutaneous fat cover, than for losing heat from
the body. The pigs can by helped to reduce heat load by providing the following:
Calvert (2003).
- Wallows: this is a small pond of water in a pen house, where pigs get rid
of excess heat. It is built with either bricks or re-enforced concrete. The
water has to be replaced frequently and wallow cleaned occasionally,
otherwise the pigs may contact diseases from contaminated water in the
wallow.
- Bathing the pigs: the pigs can be manually bathed 2 to 3 times daily as a
means of keeping them cool.
Onuenuga (2002), stated that the practice of reducing the body temperature of
sows/boars improves their conception rate to a considerable extent. It also creates
a favourable environment for the development of the fertilized eggs.
Health Management System
A disease outbreak in a piggery can have disastrous consequence. The
management practices already describing if carefully followed with minimize the

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occurrence of disease outbreak, prevention is better than cure is a very relevant
in the pig management. Tewe, (2010).
A clean, sanitary environment provides the best prevention from internal
and external parasites which can be serious problem confinement prevents pigs
from contaminated fields and dirty lots. Adebambo (2000).
Adebambo (2000) went down to say that medicine to be used for pig
treatment such as antihelminites and other drugs should be used properly for it
aids in elimination of parasite causing organisms. Antibiotics also protect pigs
against disease, proliferations and reduce disease outbreaks.
Feeding Management
The growth and mortality of pigs largely depend on their feeding regime.
Pig is the most efficient animal in converting feed to meat. About 70-75% of the
total production cost of the pig farm is due to the feed cost. The feeds also supply
nutrient which are extracted through the digestive system of the pig and convert
into metabolic (products) that are used, these biological needs for maintenance,
growth and reproduction. There are six classes of nutrients that are required by
the pigs for proper growth and production. They include water, energy, protein,
vitamins and lipids.
These nutrients can be supplied by wide variety of feed stuff. Osaro (2003).
Feeding of pigs from optimum product requires that feed stuff be combined on

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proportionate amount that will provide the quantities of nutrients needed by the
animals. Okolie (2006).
Feeding of Pregnant Animal
The demands resulting from pregnancy and need for conserving nutrients
for ensuring lactation are accelerated during the later stage of pregnancy, Tegbe
(2011). The increased needs for proteins, vitamins and minerals, mature sows
gain 30-35kg and gilts are never over fat or thin. Feed lightly with bulky laxative
feed immediately before and after farrowing. Bring the sow to full feeding in 10
days. The piglets should be provided with special nourishing diet called creep
feed separately.
Creep Feeding
The practice of self-feeding concentrates to young piglets in a separate
enclosure away from their mothers is known as creep feeding. Creeping feed
should be given when piglets are two weeks old. Each active and healthy piglet
may consume about 10kg feed before reaching the age of 8 weeks and two-third
of this consumed between 6-8 weeks. F.A.O (2003).
Marketing Skills Required by the Pig Farmers
Olayemi (2002) stated that market is an area for organizing and facilitating
business activities. Marketing is the ability to market (that is the ability to sell

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pigs) at the right time, is a major determining factor to the success of commercial
pig production.
According to Onah (2013), marketing involves the linkage process by
which the demand of the customers is matched with production activities. Onah
also pointed out that the needs and wants or customers should be determined and
satisfied in the marketing process.
Tewe (2010) also stated that the selling of pig can be done through private
sale which is the most common marketing methods among the pig producers and
the pigs are sole live either to the butchers, consumers or other producers or
middle men as was stated by David (2005). He also noted that the ability of the
pig industry to market large quantities of pork is a necessary condition for the
commercial growth of the industry.
Summary of Literature Review
The summary of this research work reviewed above, highlighted enhancing
the skills of pig farmers for improved production in Nkanu West Local
Government Area of Enugu State. This revealed a number of actors in pig
production which include the breeding selection types, knowing how to make
proper selection of pigs to be used in the pig production that is distinguishable
from the other population with high genetic make-up for high yield and profit.
Managerial skills which is the care given to the pigs for maximum production and

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improvement, marketing skills which will improve the products from pigs. Health
management, the health care provided for the pigs to avoid diseases,
proliferations, and reduce the disease outbreaks. Feed and feeding, the amount of
feeds given to the pigs and their housing and equipment needed for maximum
improvement of the production.

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CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHOD
In this chapter, the research procedure will be discussed under the
following order. Research Design, Area of Study, Population of the Study,
Sample and Sampling Techniques, Instrument for Data Collection, Validation of
Instrument, Reliability of the Instrument, Method of Data Collection and Method
of Data Analysis.
Research Design
A survey research design will be adopted. According to Alio (2008) a
survey research design is one which a group of people or items are studied by
collecting and analyzing data from people or items considered as representative
of the entire group. To this, it was adopted to study the enhanced skills of pig
farmers for improved production in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State.
Area of Study
The research will be carried out in Enugu State which is made up of 17
local government areas. Nkanu West where the study was conducted is one of the
LGA and Nkanu West Local Government Area is made up of Agbani, Akpugo,
Akegbe Ugwu, Obuoffia, Umueze, Obe, Amodu, Ozalla and Amurri.

24
Population of the Study
The population of the study consists of 58 registered farmers working in 5
pig farm in Nkanu West LGA (Agricultural Development Project 2015).
Sample and Sampling Technique
No sampling was made because the population was manageable
Instrument for Data Collection
The instrument for data collection was a structure questionnaire developed
by the researcher. The instrument has 26 items with four-point rating scale of
strongly agree (SA) which is assigned 4 points, agree (A) with 3 points, Disagree
(D) 2 points and strongly disagree (SD) 1 point. The instrument is made up of
three sections A, B and C and section A seeks to: determine the breeds and
breeding management skills required by pig farmers in Nkanu West LGA, section
B seeks to: determine the managerial skills required by pig farmers to enhance
production in Nkanu West LGA and section C seeks to: determine the marketing
skills required by the pig farmers in Nkanu West LGA. This is meant to elicit
information from the respondents.
Reliability of Instrument
The instrument was subjected to reliability testing. To achieve this, 20
copies of the instrument was administered to workers working in 2 pig farms in
Nkanu West LGA, A test-re-test method was used. Farmers were given the items

25
to answer, after two weeks it was re-administered, the result of two responses
were correlated using Pearson moment product. A reliability co-efficient or 0.69
was obtained. This shows that the instrument was reliable.
Method of Administration
The questionnaire was administered face to face to all the respondents by
the researcher. Some of the questionnaire were collected on the spot while some
were collected later.
Method of Data Collection
The data collection process involved the following steps: identifying/visiting the
registered farmers working in Pig farms in Nkanu West LGA and interviewing of
the participants with questionnaires. Some of the questionnaires administered
were collected immediately by hand and compiled for analysis. Also, all data
obtained from group discussions and interviews were collected together and
analyzed accordingly.
Method of Data Analysis
Mean was used to answer the research questions, four points rating scale
such as
Strongly Agreed SA 4
Agreed A 3
Disagreed D 2
Strongly Disagreed SD 1

26
Was used to analyse the respondents to state their level of agreement to each item
statement.
x =
∑Fx
N
Where x = Summation of
∑ = sum of
F = frequency
X = score
N = total numbers of scores
Mean (X) =
4+3+2+1
4
=
10
4
2.50
Decision Rule
Any statement with a means value of 2.50 and above was considered as
agreed while any statement below 2.50 was considered as disagreed.

27
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
In this chapter, data presentation and analysis was discussed. The data were
organized using the three research question posed for the study and was presented
in tables 1-3.
Research Question 1
What are the breeding skills required to enhance production of pig in Nkanu West
LGA?
Table 1: Mean rating of respondents on the breeding skills needed by pig farmers
to enhance production.
S/N ITEMS SA A D SD N ∑Fx x Remark
1 Skills needed for breeding selection 120 57 14 0 56 191 3.41 Agreed
2 Skills needed in identifying pigs with good
traits
84 84 10 2 56 180 3.21 Agreed
3 Skills needed in identifying breeding seasons
by extension agents
128 51 14 0 56 193 3.45 Agreed
4 Skills needed in selecting prolific breeds using
the teats
112 60 16 0 56 188 3.36 Agreed
5 Skills needed in detecting pigs when on heat
for breeding
164 30 0 5 56 199 3.35 Agreed

28
6 Skills needed to detect unproductive sows and
boars and cull them off
144 42 12 0 56 198 3.54 Agreed
7 Skill needed to know when to take the boar to
sows for mating
132 39 14 3 56 188 3.36 Agreed
Table 1 above showed that the respondents agreed with all the 9 item
statements as skills required for breeding of the pigs by farmers in Nkanu West
Local Government Area of Enugu state. The items have mean score above 2.50,
indicating that the statement in the items are skills required by farmers for
breeding of pigs.
Research Question 2:
What are the managerial skills required by the pig farmers to enhance production?
Table 2: Mean rating or respondents on the managerial skills required by the pig
farmers
8 Skills needed in daily routines
inspection of pigs
76 102 6 0 56 184 3.29 Agreed
9 Skills needed for sanitation 100 66 4 7 56 177 3.16 Agreed
10 Skills needed for providing water in
wallows
108 57 16 2 56 183 3.27 Agreed
11 Skills needed in feeding 60 102 14 0 56 176 3.14 Agreed

29
12 Skills required to prepare ration
suitable for pigs when sick or healthy
144 60 0 0 56 204 3.64 Strongly
Agreed
13 Skills needed in supplementing their
feed with house waste
124 57 12 0 56 193 3.51 Strongly
Agreed
14 Skills needed in using creep feeding
for piglets
68 117 0 0 56 185 3.30 Agreed
15 Skills required in using weaner ration
for weaner pigs
164 45 0 0 56 209 3.73 Strongly
Agreed
16 skills required for deworming 72 105 0 0 56 177 3.16 Agreed
17 Skills needed to be able to identify
Cooler environment
108 72 10 0 56 190 3.39 Agreed
18 Skills need in giving the pigs
antibiotics when necessary
84 105 0 0 56 189 3.38 Agreed
19 Skills needed in giving the pigs the
required iron supplements
172 30 6 0 56 208 3.71 Strongly
Agreed
In table 2 above, the respondents agree with all the item statements as the
managerial skills used by farmers in Nkanu West LGA. The items have mean
score above 2.50, indicating that the statement in the items are skills required by
farmers for management of pigs.

30
Research Question 3:
What are the marketing skills required by the pig farmers to enhance production
of pigs in Nkanu West LGA.
Table 3: Mean rating of respondents on the marketing skills required by the pig
farmers to enhance production.
20 Skills needed to make a market survey for
pigs price
176 30 4 0 56 210 3.75 Agreed
21 Skills needed to prepare sales presentation
for merchandising pork production
84 105 0 0 56 189 3.46 Agreed
22 Skills needed to acquire each hog price bid
before marketing
80 51 6 0 56 137 2.40 Agreed
23 Skills needed in selling to buyers 68 105 0 4 56 177 3.16 Agreed
24 Skills needed in identifying wholesale and
retail pork meat cuts
152 45 6 0 56 203 3.63 Agreed
25 Skills needed in keeping sale records 76 102 0 0 56 178 3.29 Agreed
26 Skills needed toalculate income and
expenditure to determine profit
34
136
22
66
-
0
-
0
56 202 3.70 Strongly
Agreed

31
In table 3, the respondents agree with items, 21, 22,23,24,25 and 26. These
items has mean scores or 3.76, 3.16, 3.63, 3.29, and in item 25 as skill required
for marketing. This item has a mean score or 2.40 which below the cut off point.
Summary of Major Findings
From the above tables, it was found that;
1. Pig farmers in Nkanu West LGA required to be exposed to the breeding
skills.
2. It was found that the pig farmers in Nkanu West LGA are expected to know
the managerial skills.

32
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
With respect to the questions of the study, the analysis of the data showed
that the respondents did not hide their thoughts about items on the questionnaires.
Twenty-nine items or variable were identified under the four dusters of the
enhancing the skills of the pig farmers for improved production which if
emphasized, will bring about massive increase in the production of pigs in Nkanu
West LGA.
Discussion of Findings
From table 1, the nine items in the questionnaires shows that breeding skills
required to enhance production by the pig farmers in Nkanu West LGA. Having
considered table 1, it can be concluded that all the nine respondents agreed to the
breeding skills. This in agreement with Aduka (2007) who stated that the pig
farmer no matter how good he is, cannot do better than the animals with good
traits.
From table 2, the respondents from table 2 showed that all the items on the
questionnaire strongly agreed with managerial skills on pregnant sows and
farrowing of new born piglets with the mean score or 3.5 and 3.6 respectively.

33
This agrees with Holness (2003) saying that a successful pig farmer depends on
how he manage the sows and the new born piglets.
Table 3 shows that the data collected from the items on the questionnaires
on the marketing skills used in pig production in Nkanu West LGA, made it clear
that through the practice of market survey, the farmers knows the price for pigs,
it prepare sales presentation for merchandising pork products, it helps to sell to
buyers, it identify whole sales and retail pork meat cuts, use of telephone to
acquire each hog price bid before marketing, it helps to keep sales records. The
study also showed that through marketing, it will help to calculate income and
expenditure to determine profit.
Implication of the Findings
The study indicate that breeding skills needed by the farmers to know
which plays a vital role requires to enhance production, the farmers should be
taught on the breeding seasons and when to breed. If the unproductive sows and
bear are not culled off, the implication is that there will be gradual loss of the
breeds.
The study also showed that the managerial skills is another factor in pig
production, the implication is unskilled or uneducated farmers will lack the skills
required in pig production, finally, the study also revealed that pig products are

34
being marketed. Any pigs with abnormalities or that have been infected should
not be marketed.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the researcher, the researcher recommended the
following:
1. The government should employ and train more extension staff to help in
impacting knowledge to the pig farmers
2. Government should sponsor and sustain research in marketing of pigs
3. Pig farmers should be taught on the best management practice for pig
production.
4. The government, cooperatives as well as banks should show more interest
by granting loans and offering all necessary assistance to boost pig
production in Nkanu West LGA.
Limitation of the Study
The ignorant of some pig farmers on the information in the questionnaire
made it more difficult for the researcher from getting information from them.
Summary of the Study
This research work titled ‘‘Enhancing the skills of pig farmers form
improved production in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State,
contains five chapters in which chapter one contains the background of the study,

35
purpose of the study, statement of the problems, scope of study, and research
questions. Chapter two discussed and analyzed the elated review of the literature
on the history of pig production in Nigeria, ways to enhance the breeding skills,
managerial skills, marketing skills. Chapter three described the research
procedure in the following order: research design, area of study, sample and
sampling techniques, reliability of instrument, method of data collection and
analysis. Chapter four presents analysis for data mean values. Chapter five did
explain the discussion of findings, conclusion and recommendations.
Suggestions for Further Research
The following are recommended for further research
1. Further studies should be carried out in this study to cover more local
Government Areas in the state and in other states of the federation to make
pig production competitive.
2. The factors that limit pig production and improvement should be promoted.
3. More impact on extension service on the improvement of pig production

36
REFERENCES
Adebamno O. (2002). Evaluation of Genetic Potential of the Indigenous pig
farmers. International Conference on Pig Breeding. Held in Madrid Spain
April 2001.
Adebambo O. (2003). Selection and Handling of Pig breeds for profitable pig
farmer in Nigeria. Paper presented in Agric Conference. ABU Azia.
Aduka, T.A. (2007). Practical livestock feeds production in tropics. Zaria:
Asekone and Co. publishers.
Ajala, M.K., Adesehinwa, A.O.K, Mohammed, A.K (2007). Characteristics of
small holder Pig production in Southern Kaduna Area of Kaduna state.
American-Eurasian Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Science.
15(3) 18-29.
Ajibefun, I.A, Daramola, A.G. (2006) Measurement and Sources of technical
inefficiency in poultry egg production. Ondo: Levi print.
Akwusa, B.N (2009). Animal production in the Zariraxfam. 2nd
report of the team
of advisers.
Alio A. N. (2008). Fundamental of Educational Research. Enugu; Samireen
Publishers Ltd.
Aneke C.U. (2014). Enhancing Students Enrolment in Agricultural Education in
Universities in South East Nigeria. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Department
of Technology and Vocational Education, Enugu State University of
Science and Technology.
Balogun T.F. (2008). Management and Feeding of Pigs for Profit in Nigeria. A
paper presented at the livestock and poultry management. Course
organized by NAERLS, ABU Zaria.
Calvert S.O. (2003). Evaluating the potential; profitability of investment in
poultry producer. Journal of Rural Economic Development; department of
crop science, Faculty of Agriculture ESUT.
David Hominess (2005) Pig production in the tropics. London; Oxford
University press.
Divendra C. and Fuller (1990) Nutrition for Pig Production in the Tropics.
London; Oxford University Press.
Eze N.M. (2001). Principles of Animal Production, Onitsha; Hosten Ltd.

37
Food and Agriculture Organization (2003). Agriculture in Nigeria, F.A.O of
United Nation, Rome.
Holness H.D. (2003). The Tropical Agricultural Pig Production. London;
Macmillan Publishers.
Iwena O.A (2012) Essential Agricultural Science for Secondary Schools: Lagos:
Tonad publishers Ltd.
Okolie, C.I. (2006). Tropical Tips on Intensive Pig Production, Animal
Management and Health Issues. Nsukka better print.
Onah, J.O. (2013). Marketing Management. Obosi; pacific publishers.
Onuenuga, B. (2000). Economics Analysis of Swine Production in Nigeria.
Ibadan; zonal organizer.
Osaro, O.M. (2003). Enhancing Production Performance of Smale Scale Pig
Farmer in Pig Production. Workshop training held at UI Ibadan.
Osimen, E.C. (2008). Comprehensive Agricultural Science. Lagos Diamond
(JMB) publishers.
Philips, G.A. (2005). An Agricultural Handbook London. Macmillan publishers.
Tegbe T.S.B. (2011). Non-Conventional Feed Stuff for Swine, NAPRI’s
experience in pig production workshop training manual
Tewe, O.O. (2010). Resources Requirement for Profitable Pig Farming in Pig
Production. Workshop Training manual
Young, M. (2005). Efficiency of Pork Production: a USA, Canada and Ireland
comparison.

38
APPENDIX I
Enugu State University of Science and
Technology, ESUT
Department of Technology and Vocational
Education,
Enugu State.
Dear Respondents,
ENHANCING THE SKILLS OF PIG FARMERS FOR IMPROVED
PRODUCTION IN NKANU WEST L.G.A
I am an undergraduate student of Enugu State University of Science and
Technology in the Department of Technology and Vocational Education,
studying agricultural education and currently carrying out a research on the above
topic. You are requested to provide answers to the questions contained in the
questionnaire by ticking to the best option that best suits your level of agreement
to each question.
The questions are designed to elucidate information necessary for the study
and have no other implications. All the information given will be treated with
utmost confidence.
Thanks for your co-operation
Yours faithfully,
Igwesi Judith Chidimma
Researcher

39
APPENDIX II
QUESTIONNAIRE
Research Question 1
What the ways to enhance the breeding skills of pig farmers?
S/N ITEMS 4
SA
3
A
2
D
1
SD
1 Skills needed for breeding selection
2 Skills needed in identifying pigs with good traits
3 Skills needed in identifying breeding seasons by
extension agents
4 Skills needed in selecting prolific breeds using the teats
5 Skills needed in detecting pigs when on heat for breeding
6 Skills needed to detect unproductive sows and boars and
cull them off
7 Skill needed to know when to take the boar to sows for
mating

40
Research Question 2
What are the managerial skills required by the pig farmers to enhance production?
S/N ITEMS 4
SA
3
A
2
D
1
SD
8 Skills needed in daily routines inspection of pigs
9 Skills needed for sanitation
10 Skills needed for providing water in wallows
11 Skills needed in feeding
12 Skills required to prepare ration suitable for pigs when sick
or healthy
13 Skills needed in supplementing their feed with house waste
14 Skills needed in using creep feeding for piglets
15 Skills required in using weaner ration for weaner pigs
16 skills required for deworming
17 Skills needed to be able to identify Cooler environment
18 Skills need in giving the pigs antibiotics when necessary
19 Skills needed in giving the pigs the required iron
supplements

41
Research Question 3
What are the marketing skills required by pig farmers
S/N ITEMS 4
SA
3
A
2
D
1
SD
20 Skills needed to make a market survey for pigs price
21 Skills needed to prepare sales presentation for
merchandising pork production
22 Skills needed to acquire each hog price bid before
marketing
23 Skills needed in selling to buyers
24 Skills needed in identifying wholesale and retail pork
meat cuts
25 Skills needed in keeping sale records
26 Skills needed toalculate income and expenditure to
determine profit

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