Page 134 - Agriculture Form Two

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Prevention of diseases and parasites
Healthy pigs grow better and produce optimally. Preventing and treating diseases
is critical to successful pig production. Pigs should be checked regularly for signs
of sickness. They should be vaccinated against common diseases and dewormed
to eliminate parasites. Keep their living area clean and isolate sick pigs to prevent
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disease spreading. Effective control of common diseases and parasites in pigs
is essential for maintaining herd health, optimizing productivity, and ensuring
animal welfare.

Activity 7.11
Visit a nearby farm or do an internet search about the common parasites and diseases
affecting pigs in Tanzania. Then, in a tabular form, indicate the symptoms of the
disease, causative agent, and the control measures.

Handling, processing, and marketing pig products and by-products

Handling, processing, and marketing pig products and by-products are essential
for the pig farming industry. The following are the steps to ensure that pig products
are safe, high-quality, and reach the market effectively.
(i) Slaughtering: Pigs should be slaughtered in special structures such as
slaughter houses and abattoirs where humane practices are followed to
minimise stress and ensure the welfare of the animals. Proper slaughtering
techniques are vital for producing high-quality pork.
(ii) Meat processing: Once slaughtered, the pig carcass is divided into various
cuts like loins, hams, and ribs. These cuts are further processed into
products such as bacon, sausages, and ham. Processing involves curing,
smoking, and packaging, which preserve the meat and enhance its flavour.
These processes also extend the shelf life of the products.

(iii) By-product utilisation: Besides meat, pigs provide several valuable by-
products. The skin can be processed into leather, fats are rendered into lard
or used in industrial applications, and bones and blood can be converted
into animal feed or fertiliser. Effective utilisation of these by-products
reduces waste and maximizes the economic return from pig farming.

(iv) Quality control: To maintain product quality, strict hygiene and storage
protocols should be followed throughout handling and processing.
Processing facilities should be kept clean, and products should be labelled
and stored correctly to prevent contamination and spoilage.

126 Student’s Book Form Two

04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 126 04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 126