Site Selection and Farm Layout

Before constructing a pig house, the farmer must choose the right location. The following points should be considered as per ICAR (2016) guidelines:

Location: The piggery should be located at least 500 metres away from human habitation to avoid odour complaints. It should be on slightly elevated ground to allow natural drainage of urine and wastewater.

Orientation: The long axis of the pig house should run in the East-West direction. This provides shade from direct afternoon sunlight and allows cool breeze to flow through the open sides of the house (ICAR, 2016).

Water Supply: A clean and continuous water supply is essential. Pigs require 10–20 litres of clean water per pig per day for drinking and wallowing.

Soil and Drainage: The soil should be firm and well-drained. Waterlogged or low-lying land should be avoided as wet conditions promote diseases like foot rot, skin infections, and parasitic infestations.

Availability of Feed: The farm should be located near sources of feed — either near grain markets, hotels, or restaurant waste — as feed cost is the biggest expense in pig farming.

ADVANTAGES OF ADEQUATE AND PROPER PIG SITES

· Efficient utilization and saving of labour

· Increase in overall meat yield

· Improvement in the general health status of animals

· Reduction in piglet mortality rates

· Effective control of internal and external parasites

· Prevention and management of diseases

· Improved monitoring and management of pigs

· Enhanced reproductive performance in swine

· Proper and regulated feeding practices

· Higher economic returns to the farmer

· Motivation and encouragement for other pig farmers