We have developed a moveable pig cage system that integrates with our banana production, providing the pigs with shade, forage and exercise while simultaneously weeding and fertilising the banana plot.
The 2m × 4m moveable cage. Up to 12 weaners can be housed per cage. The cage is moved once daily.
Each cage is fitted with a 20 litre bucket that feeds a nipple drinker through 20mm pipe — simple and effective.
Pigs under bananas — shade, weeding and manuring in one system.
The pigs move systematically through the banana plot every 6 months.
The pigs eat weeds and grasses growing under the bananas, root around in the soil, and deposit their manure and urine directly under the plants. The banana stools respond very well to this treatment.
A simple trolley is used to drag the cage from one position to the next.
Once the animals are approximately one month away from market weight, they are allowed to range freely on pasture, taking advantage of the full nutritional benefits of fresh forage and increasing daily weight gain during the final fattening stage.
Tags: Farming · Integrated systems · Livestock · Low-input · Pigs