Overview
Located in Ondo Town, Ondo State, Nigeria, Noble Farms designed and constructed a modern 165-capacity piggery with a focus on animal welfare, environmental sustainability, biosecurity, and the production of high-quality pork. The facility combines traditional deep-litter housing with modern management practices to create a healthy and odor-controlled environment for pig production.
Housing Structure
The piggery was constructed as a well-ventilated shed with concrete block walls, providing durability, security, and protection from harsh weather conditions. The roofing system was designed to minimize heat stress while allowing adequate airflow throughout the building.
Key features include:
- Concrete block walls for strength and longevity
- Spacious open-sided ventilation for air circulation
- Durable roofing materials for temperature control
- Proper drainage around the facility
- Biosecurity-controlled entry points
The design promotes comfort while reducing disease risks and improving productivity.
Deep-Litter System
Instead of conventional concrete-floor housing, Noble Farms adopted a deep-litter system.
The flooring consists of a thick layer of sawdust bedding, which serves multiple purposes:
- Absorbs moisture from urine and manure
- Reduces unpleasant odors
- Provides comfort for the pigs
- Supports microbial decomposition
- Minimizes labor associated with daily waste removal
The bedding is periodically replenished to maintain effectiveness and cleanliness.
Use of Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO)
A major component of the Noble Farms system is the use of Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO).
IMO solutions are regularly applied to the deep litter to:
- Accelerate decomposition of manure
- Suppress harmful bacteria
- Reduce ammonia production
- Eliminate offensive odors
- Improve the microbial balance within the housing environment
This approach supports the farm's goal of maintaining an odor-controlled and environmentally friendly piggery.
Water Management System
The facility utilizes two water delivery methods:
Water Troughs
Used in designated sections for easy access and monitoring.
Drinking Nipples
Installed throughout the piggery to provide:
- Continuous access to clean water
- Reduced water wastage
- Improved hygiene
- Lower bedding moisture levels
The nipple-drinker system helps maintain dry litter conditions essential for deep-litter management.
Pig Grouping and Management
To reduce stress, aggression, and competition, pigs are grouped according to age and production stage.
Separation by Litter Groups (Siblings)
Whenever possible:
- Piglets from the same litter remain together.
- Aggressive mixing is minimized.
- Growth performance is improved.
- Stress-related health problems are reduced.
Separate pens are maintained for:
- Piglets
- Growers
- Finishers
- Breeding stock
Specialized Breeds for Nutritional Value
Noble Farms carefully selects pig breeds known for:
- Superior growth performance
- High-quality meat production
- Improved feed conversion efficiency
- Desirable carcass characteristics
- Enhanced nutritional value
The breeding program focuses on producing pork with:
- Good muscle development
- Reduced excessive fat deposition
- Improved consumer appeal
- High protein content
On-Farm Meat Processing
A unique feature of Noble Farms is its on-farm meat processing operation.
Rather than selling only live animals, the farm processes pork directly on-site.
Benefits include:
- Improved quality control
- Enhanced food safety
- Greater value addition
- Reduced transportation stress on animals
- Better traceability from farm to consumer
Processed products can be prepared according to customer specifications while maintaining strict hygiene standards.
Sustainability Benefits
The Noble Farms piggery model provides several advantages:
- Reduced odor through IMO technology
- Improved animal welfare
- Efficient waste management
- Lower environmental impact
- Better biosecurity
- Enhanced meat quality
- Increased farm profitability