Pig farming goes through challenging times these days. Farmers are desperately looking for answers and solutions because margins are low, management is difficult, and diseases are rife. One way to get ahead is to acquire the cleanest and best genetics in the world.

One of the top pig genetics companies in the world is Topigs Norsvin from the Netherlands and Norway. Their genetic stock has been bred over many years and they only keep the best breeding material. They made an entrance into Zambia in February 2015 through the local company, Zambian Pig Genetics (ZPG), which is situated between Lusaka and Chisamba.

Topigs Norsvin’s South African branch supplies ZPG with the latest genetics. “We get the best genetic parent stock from South Africa every six months, from where we breed the F1 here in Zambia. We believe in our genetic product and the results show,” Johan Wolhuter, Director of ZPG, says.

“Most of our clients are commercial producers like Zambeef who buys our gilts. They have seen the value in superior clean genetics all the way through the value chain. It is not uncommon for ZPG genetics to supply baconer carcasses to Master Pork of 85 kg at 21 weeks of age. As proven in Zimbabwe and South Africa, our TN60 sows are able to produce 31 plus piglets per year.”

Disease-free pig herds are unnegotiable nowadays. Unlike some of their competitors in SADC, ZPG can claim that they are a specific-pathogen-free (SPF) breeding station.

“We are clean and do not have major diseases such as mycoplasma or Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae (App). We are the only genetic company in Zambia who are  certified to provide clean genetics,” Johan says. “We have seen first-hand on some commercial farms the effect of diseases like mycoplasma and App, it is a constant fight which leads to the farmer constantly applying antibiotics to reduce the damage.”

“We are very passionate about developing the small-scale pig industry; hence we also offer training and technical assistance through our technical team,” he says.

“ZPG has a very well educated and trained group of staff. A full time technical advisor has been employed who underwent extensive training in South Africa. Francisco Kasuba’s main aim will be to train farm staff in overall pig husbandry as well as skills like artificial insemination. If you are a ZPG client, his services are free of charge. Francisco also presents KI courses and the next one will be presented on 25 July. Mbunji Samazaka (Piggery Manager) is also just a phone call away with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pig husbandry.

The genetics ZPG supplies is not only for the Zambian farmer. Outstanding pigs in neighbouring countries have also been bred by Topigs Norsvin to adapt to African conditions. The TN60 line consists of robust and durable parent sows, bred in hot climates for high performance under challenging conditions. TN60 sows produce fast-growing, large litters with excellent carcass quality and the finishing is uniform.

The semen of TN Tempo Boar is perfect for breeding top baconer African pigs. He is a world-renowned boar for his resistance to the circovirus. The Tempo Boar brings robust, uniform fast-growing piglets to the table, with the ability to reach weights in excess of 110 kg at 21 weeks, with an exceptional feed conversion ratio.

For the farmers who can’t or do not want to do artificial insemination, there is another option. They can buy TN1000 live boars from ZPG. “It is middle of the road genetic stock who are not completely maternal and not quite terminal either,” Johan says. “But they will deliver exceptional benefits to your herd.”

Topigs Norsvin genetics already dominate the world but “in places like the United States of America Topigs Genetics is spreading like wildfire. We can’t wait to provide more material to the world,” Johan says. “In Zambia, the small-scale farmers are the providers of sustainable meat, but they need more genetic exposure to get the best potential in their pigs.

To order world class genetics on your doorstep contact: Johan Wolhuter +26(0) 97-278-8521 or johan.crc@kyindu.com,  Francisco Kasuba +26(0) 76-258-9884 or sales@zpgzambia.com,  Mbunji Samazaka +26(0) 96-405- 6668 or office@zpgzambia.com. For more information visit www.topigsnorsvin.co.za.

As of July 2019 genetics can be purchased from Afrivet Africa or Livestock Services.