BAPF, PIG IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME PDF Print E-mail
Outline of Pig Improvement Programme (PIP) & its significance to the industry

The PIP is an initiative that seeks to expand the capacity of pork producers to meet local demand.  The initiative was developed by Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development along with the pork producers associations.  PIP is made up of the following:-
* Genetic evaluation of sows base on selection indices (SPI)
* Artificial Insemination (AI)
* Training of farmers in AI, and other husbandry practices

The PIP improves the genetic base of the stock by using imported semen from ‘superior’ boars.  The programme allows for the culling of the least productive sows, while reducing the number of sexually transmitted diseases between the animals.  

The main criteria for entrance into the programme are: -
* Pig farmer should have at least five (5) sows
* Sow must have a Productivity Index (SPI) over 100
* Farmers must keep breeding and production records.