Page 118 - Agriculture Form Two

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Activity 7.2
1. Use the library and internet searches to study on characteristic features of two
more pig breeds

2. Visit a school farm or some nearby pig farm and perform the following tasks:
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
(a) Observe, and identify different breeds of pigs found on the farm;
(b) Comment on the observable features of the breeds on the visited livestock
farm; and
(c) With reasons, suggest a breed of your preference for keeping.
3. Summarise what you have learnt from this activity in your portfolio.

Classes of pigs
Pigs are classified based on live weights, slaughter weights, and growth
reproductive stage. Classes of pigs based on live weight are weaners, growers,
and finishers. On the other hand, the classes of pigs based on slaughter weight
are porkers, cutters, baconer, and heavy hogs. Based on growth and reproductive
stage, they are classified as piglets, weaners, growers/finishers, breeders (breeding
parents), pregnant sows/gilts, and lactating pigs.

Activity 7.3

1. Use various learning materials, including reference books, internet searches,
and resource persons, to identify the characteristic features of pigs based on
live-weight slaughter weights and reproductive stage.
2. In your portfolio, summarise what you have learnt from this activity.

Types of pig farming systems
Farming systems in pig production, depend on the number of pigs kept, and
the production and management level, resources available, and environmental
conditions. Generally, the common pig production systems are intensive pig
farming, semi-intensive farming, and extensive farming. These are described
hereafter:

(a) Extensive pig farming

In this farming system, pigs are raised in large outdoor areas with minimal
confinement. They have access to open pastures (Figure 7.2), and their diet includes

110 Student’s Book Form Two

04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 110 04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 110