Weight-for-age of growing pigs raised by smallholder farmers in the Philippines

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional study at two sites in the Philippines to obtain baseline information about weight-for-age of smallholder growing pigs, and to identify important constraints and opportunities for smallholder pig raisers. Using an interview-based questionnaire, we collected data about 115 (with 244 growing pigs) and 123 (212) herds at the northern and southern study sites, respectively. At these sites, the median weight-for-age was 5.7 and 5.5 kg/mo, respectively. There was herd-level clustering with respect to weight-for-age, and the breed and origin of the growing pig was strongly associated with this measure of productivity. Herd-level weight-for-age was higher for smallholders who had a strong production focus and who specialised in raising growing pigs.