Jyotish Barman and Homeswar Kalita
ICAR, Nagaland Centre
Integrated pig-fish farming is a synergistic farming system where pigs are reared along with fish. The principle is to effectively utilize the available land resources and bio-recycling of waste generated. Pig dung serves as effective manure for the pond, the fish also feed directly on pig dung which contains 70% digestible matter. No additional feeding and manuring are required in this system. Water for cleaning and washing of pig and pig house can be collected from the ponds. Expenditure incurred on raising pig is covered through sale of pig meat or piglets. In general, fish farming in northeastern region commences in the month of April with the onset of pre-monsoon shower. Prior to that the pond has to be prepared to make it ready for stocking fish. The following step-wise procedure has to be followed.
Pond preparation:
Pond of size 0.1 – 1 ha with a depth of 2 -2.5 m are suitable for pig-fish farming. Dewatering, removal of bottom mud, de-weeding and renovation are some of the activities to be completed before stocking fish. After checking soil/water pH, agricultural lime as per the recommended dose should be applied to correct pH level.
Housing for pigs:
• Pigs need a clean houseproviding adequate protection from adverse weather conditions. The pigsty is often constructed either at the pond sites or over the pond.
• The pigsty is constructed of solid side wall with proper roofing and adequate ventilation facility.
• For a pig weighing 70-90 kg, a floor space of 3 – 4 sq m is required.
• A drain should be provided in the pigsty to wash the waste material directly into the pond or pit.
• The floor should be rough and sloppy towards the drain.
• Feeding and drinking trough should be provided.
• An enclosed run attached to the pig should be provided to give enough air, sunlight, exercise and dunging space to the pig.
• The boars, sows and finishing stock are housed separately
Introduction of piglets:
For integrated pig-fish farming upgraded exotic varieties like white Yorkshire, Hampshire, Landrace, Large black are preferred because of their early maturity, good growth, prolific breeding, resistance to disease as compared to local variety. For a pond area of one hectare, 40-45 piglets are needed. Two- three months old weaned piglets are introduced in the house atleast 20-25 days before stocking fish fingerlings, so that the dung and leftover feeds channelized to the pond makes the pond productive.
Feeding pig:
The pigs are fed with balanced ration (pig mash concentrate) twice daily. Apart from this, pigs can also be provided with other commercialized feed available in the market. However, this may increase the cost of rearing. In order to reduce the cost on feeding, low-cost feed using locally available materials with adequate nutrients can also be provided.
Table
: Composition of concentrated pig feed
Selection of fish:
After 20-25 days of introducing piglets, the pond is ready for stocking fish. Usually, polyculture of carps involving catla, rohu, mrigal, grass carp, silver carp and common carp are practiced in this type of farming system.
Stocking fish:
Fingerlings of size 10-15 cm are generally preferred for stocking. For ponds with average depth of 2.0-2.5 m, stocking density of 10000 nos. per hectare is followed; while in ponds with average depth of 1.0 1.5 m stocking density of 10000 nos. per hectare is to be followed. A combination of Catla (25%), Silver carp (15%), Rohu (20 %), Grass carp (10 %), Mrigal (20 %) and Common carp (10%) is generally preferred in carp polyculture system.
Fingerlings are to be stocked in cool hours of the day preferable early morning or late afternoon. Fingerlings brought in oxygen filled packet should not be directly released into the pond. Instead allow the packet to float in water for at least 20-30 minutes and then slowly release the fingerlings.
Feeding fish:
In this system, no additional feed for fish is required. Only, grass carp has to be fed with grasses like para, napier, etc. Alternatively, banana leaves and other leafy vegetables can also be provided.
Liming pond:
It is very essential to check the water quality especially pH of the pond as constant accumulation of waste may deteriorate the pond water. Agricultural lime needs to be applied every monthas prophylactic measure as well as to correct pH.
Water quality and fish health management:
A common problem encountered in this type of farming system is the excessive growth of algae, commonly called “algal blooms”. Upon observation of algal bloom, channelizing of pig house waste into the pond should be temporarily suspended. The movement of fish should be observed at regular intervals. Active swimming and jumping behaviour indicate healthy fish. However, if sluggish movements are observed, immediate measures should be taken to check the water quality and occurrence of any fish diseases.
Pig health management:
Maintenance of healthy and hygienic condition in the pigsties is very important to prevent infection of pigs. The sties should be washed daily in the morning and disinfected weekly and the pigs should also be washed at regular interval. Swine fever, piglets’ diarrhoea, skin infestation, worm infestation, etc.are some of the common health issues observed in pigs. Maintenance of stricthygienic measures and proper vaccination schedule is recommended. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian for ensuring proper health of fish.
Harvesting:
Partial harvesting of fish weighing 300 g and above can be done, especially when higher stocking density is followed. Apart from earning some revenue through sale of fish, it also reduces the stocking load and allows the remaining fish to grow well. Growing pigs are usually ready for market in about 6 months.
Production:
On an average a production of 2500-3000 Kg of fish is expected from one hectare pond area. This may vary depending on the level of management measures taken. Similarly, with proper care and good management, 60-70 kg live weight of pig is expected.
