The free-range pig system at the Kafue demo farm was developed to complement our dry-land production, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of fertility between the animal and the crop.
Pigs have constant access to pasture and range over the farm's grazing areas between the cropping seasons. During this period, they return nutrients directly to the soil through their manure and urine, while also disturbing and aerating the soil surface with their rooting behaviour.
Breeding stock
The foundation sow is a purebred Berkshire sourced from Kafue Fisheries. The Berkshire is exceptionally well-suited to free-range production — hardy, good maternal instincts, excellent foraging ability, and high-quality meat. The current litter is a cross between Berkshire and Landrace, combining the Landrace's growth rate with the Berkshire's resilience and flavour profile.
Feeding
The pigs are fed a choice feeding ration based on:
- Organic maize (whole grain, on the cob when available)
- Organic roasted soya beans (roasted to eliminate trypsin inhibitors)
- Mineral supplements — limestone, di-calcium phosphate, salt
The animals are allowed to balance their own intake of carbohydrate and protein. In addition, they find a significant portion of their diet from ranging — roots, insects, seeds, grasses, and fallen fruit.
This approach produces well-nourished animals at substantially lower feed cost than confined grain-fed systems, with none of the health problems associated with high-starch confined rations.
Tags: Berkshire · Choice feeding · Free range · Livestock · Pigs