Assessment of Philippine Native Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) Raisers in selected Municipalities of Agusan del Sur, Philippines

Abstract

The native pig raising in the Philippines is continuously increasing because of the market potential as additional income for backyard farmers. Most locations, particularly rural areas like Agusan del Sur, Philippines, have backyard pig breeding enterprises. This study aimed to obtain baseline information about the production, feeding, and marketing practices of native pig raisers in selected municipalities of Agusan del Sur. A total of 300 Philippine native pig raisers were personally interviewed using either a self-assisted or self-administered survey questionnaire. The random sampling procedure was used in selecting municipalities covered by the study. Descriptive statistics were used in this research study. The majority of respondents were male, in their productive age, married, finished secondary education and, with 1-5 household members. Across municipalities, respondents have been into native pig raising
for at least five years. Moreover, respondents mentioned that native pig raising had been a traditional enterprise in their community. Common problems encountered include inadequate capital, lack of technical knowledge, diseases, low market price and, high cost of feeds. Parents and friends are sources of knowledge and information in native pig raising. Overall, the majority of the respondents employed traditional practices in terms of feeds and feeding, housing, breeding, health and disease prevention, and marketing.