The Pig Committee

The Pig Industry has made significant strides in recent years. There is much genetic improvement which allows for improved feed conversion, improved carcass quality and improved weaning weights with earlier weaning.

The use of artificial insemination in pigs increased the ability of farmers to improve their herd as they have access to semen from quality boars and is less likely to run into problems of inbreeding.

The year 2009 was a challenging year for the pig industry due to the high feed prices but despite the challenge 121,954 pigs were slaughtered yielding 8.96 million kilogram of dressed pork compared to 122,857 that were slaughtered in 2008 and yielded 7.62 million kilogram of dressed pork. The number of pigs slaughtered in 2009 was lower than 2008 but more pork was produced in 2009.

There is growth in the industry and despite the growth the cyclical problem of over supply of pork followed by shortages has not being experienced recently and from all indicators more households have now included pork as a part of their diet. The level of pork production in 2009 eliminated the need for local processors to import pork legs to produce hams for the Christmas season which is a significant achievement.

The Jamaica Livestock Association Limited through the services provided continued to work with the pig farmers for further growth and development of the industry.