THE PIG INDUSTRY IN NEW ZEALAND

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 340, 22 January 1937, Page 3

THE PIG INDUSTRY IN NEW ZEALAND

STEPS TOWARDS GREATER DEVELOPMENT Department Of Agriculture Notes Prepared By Mr. M. J. Scott, 8.A., B.Sc.

Below is the first of !a series of special articles on different aspects of the pig . industry pt New Zealand prepared by Mr. M. J. Scott, Advisory Officer of the Department. The Department is particularly anxious to .stimulate Interest in the Pig Industry, the further development of which represents an essential link in agricultural progress. To that end, Mr. Scott contributes these articles which will be continued, at intervals, in subsequent issues of the “Central Press.” Very rapid progress has been made in the development of the Pig Industry in New Zealand during the last ten years, and as a result of insist ent .demands from the farming community the Dep-irtmert of Agriculture has decided to provide a more extensive service for this industry. In providing this service the Department recognises very clearly that the Pig Industry, now* being so quickly developed, does not stand alone as the dairy and sheep industries of New Zealand did when they were developing in the last, and that it has to be made to fit in, especially with the present development of the dairy industry. The development of the pig industry must in fact be the completion of the picture as far as the dairy industry is concerned, and whether the final result will be an increase in pigs, accompanied by a decrease in cows, or whether both pigs and cows will still continue to increase, yet remains to be seen. The department’s view is that they are anxious to improve the nett returns from

farms and they are paying attention to pigs in. the hope that these may be a means of such an improvement. Possible Sources of Improvement, Probably the most immediate improvement that can be affected in the industry is an improvement in the quality of the- pig carcase by the production of a more lengthy pig, by a reduction in the numbers of heavy shouldered animals that carry too much back fat—possibly because they are finished too quickly—and by the elimination of that small yet irritating amount of tuberculosis and pleurisy which causes such a large amount of individual annoyance when a supplier finds some of his pigs condemned or rejected. While strict grading and payment on grade would be a great stimulus in forcing farmers to produce better pigs, the facts remain that no amount of grading is going to convert second quality pigs into first quality pigs, and that the production of high class pigs will always be the responsibility and achievement of the owner himself. Breeders will have to produce the pigs, which will have to be finished with care and be accommodated in houses that tend to eliminate) ailments and ill health. The Department recognises that it may be of some service to those who are anxious to improve their pigs, but it cannot be of any assistance to those who are not inclined to make the effort. Profit-earning Capacity. The expansion of the pig industry will be determined by its capacity to earn profits, and in this direction it is hoped that the Department will be able to be of some assistance to the community. Everyone realises that the profits from pigs are largely determined by the difference between the cost of feeds used and the value of products sold. At present prices, pig meats return about £6/10/- to £7 for every ton of feed eaten, and if profits are to be made, foodstuffs must be procured at prices lower than this. In general the only way in which this can be done is by farm--1 ers growing their own feeds. This may appear to be a counsel of perfection at the present time, since there may be difficulties in the many farmers growing supplementary crops for pigs. If it can be shown, however, that it is more profitable to do this, than it is to carry on as at present, it will not be long before the difficulties are surmounted. Improvement of Breeding Stock. In every animal project, the ability of the animal to grow and produce economically is of fundamental importance. At the request of the pig breeders of the Dominion, and in collaboration with them and the Recording Clubs, th© Department has al-

ready instituted a pedigree sow recording scheme. Pure bred litters are weighed at three and again at eight weeks old, and it is hoped by this procedure to make a selection ! of prolific strains within each breed, j Instructional ;and Advisory (Service, j With the ever changing conditions | due to variations in price of pig meat, f cost of feed supply, variations in lab- I out and overhead costs, as well as on account of more farmers taking up pig keeping for the first time, it seems necessary to establish an instructional and advisory service. At present, there are indications that farmers are agreeable to a small levy being placed on every pig killed, } and with this it is hoped that a useful service could be established. The Recording Clubs in Waikato and Manawatu and the pig Clubs in Taranaki and elsewhere, have done useful work, and it seems likely that these j could prove a suitable nucleus round ■ which to build a satisfactory service. In the meantime, in order to give j publicity to many features of the in- i dustry, capable of wide and extended I improvement, the Department has on- . listed the services of the daily Press. • By this means it is hoped to provoke j popular interest, and to create public j

awareness on as many points connected with pig raising as possible. It is not intended to lay down the law, but rather to present a view point, fallible perhapes, but still the best j we are capable of, for discussion, comment, or refutation, depending on its acceptability to the reader. From time to time departmental advice may be modified. We claim the j privilege of being permitted to do this, not because we wish to err, but because we feel that it is better to try and fail than not to try at all.