Abstract
A study of the production characteristics, management systems, holding sizes and their herd structures was conducted in 500 smallholder swine herds in some parts of Nigeria. Two hundred and fifty-eight (51.6%) farmers kept 1-5 pigs while twenty-four (4.8%) farmers kept 16-20 pigs. Average herd size, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning and percentage pre-weaning piglet mortality were 8.4 (1-20), 8 (2-4), 6.6 (0-10) and 18.5% respectively. Nematode parasites of economic importance in the study area include Ascaris spp, Stronghyle spp. and Trichuris spp. Segments of tapeworm were seen grossly in faeces of some piglets. Similarly, ectoparasites of importance in the study areas were ticks, lice and mange. Smallholder farmers practised semi-intensive system of management where pigs usually scavenge for food and supplemented with cereal brans, kitchen wastes and vegetables. Farmers provide housing and veterinary services to enhance the productivity of pigs. Swine production in Nigeria is a permanent and a widespread socio-economic activity among small-scale piggery farmers. KEY WORDS: Swine production, management systems and smallholder Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol.24(2) 2003:34-40
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