Costs and returns of backyard hog fattening: A comparative study of members and non-members of the Katin-aran Center in Pavia, Iloilo

Abstract

This study evaluates and compares the economic performance in backyard hog fattening of members and non-members of the Katin-aran Center in Brgy. Amparo Pavia. Iloilo. Primary data was gathered using an interview schedule from 42 members and 33 non-members. Half of the member respondents raised four piglets, while the majority of the non-member respondents raised one piglet. In the purchase of piglets, all of the respondents purchased their piglets using the visual inspection. In the selling of the fattened hogs, most of the respondents used the visual inspection method, while a few of them used the liveweight method. Most of the member respondents purchased their □iglets at the age of 46-60 days old. The non-member respondents purchased their piglets at ages 30-45 days and 46-60 days. Member respondents employed not only the dry and wet feeding method, but also practiced both methods to increase the weight of their piglets, while the non-member respondents used only the dry and wet feeding method. Most of the respondents fed their hogs three times a day with different kinds of feeds, such as kangkong. rice/corn bran, hogmash, and fishmeal. The majority of the respondents cleaned their hogpens once a day. gave supplementary treatment, dewormed, and vaccinated their piglets. Most respondents bathed their piglets once a day. The results of the study agreed with its hypothesis that members of the Backyard Hog Fattening Project of the Katin-aran Center earn higher profits and returns than non-members. Member respondents also yielded a higher rate of return on investment, rate of return on total operating cost, ratio of profit to variable cost, and ratio of profit to total revenue than non-member respondents. The problems encountered by the respondents include limited capital high cost of feeds. the unpredictable weather conditions and temperature. pests and diseases. inadequate water supply and the disposal of wastes.