SPRING SUMMER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

TOPIGS genetics have good growth rates and carcass quality, while also focusing on lean meat production. DanBred genetics have focused on feed efficiency, reproductive output, and lean carcasses. The Landrace and the PIC could be suitable for semi-intensive or semi- free-range systems, but tend not to fare well in harsh extensive systems. Crossing these breeds with indigenous genetics could improve their performance in free-range systems. Both the TOPIG and the DanBred have been used successfully in free-range systems, but require good nutrition and management to flourish. The Duroc has often been used in free-range systems. This brown coated breed is less affected by sun exposure, has strong legs, and better adaptability, compared to the Landrace. The Duroc also has high intramuscular fat content that increases flavour in the meat and a faster growth rate, compared to indigenous breeds. All the commercial breeds require supplementary feeding to perform well in free-range systems. Popular indigenous breeds include the Kolbroek, which is adapted to low-input and extensive systems, and has good fat deposition that increases flavour in the meat. The Windsnyer, a crossbred veld pig, is known for its heat tolerance, disease resilience, and efficiency in utilising low- quality feeds. Climate and housing The South African climate varies across the country, making some areas more viable for free-range farming than others. Pigs are sensitive to heat stress and sunburn – especially the white breeds. Pigmented breeds like indigenous breeds or the Duroc fare better in these systems. Free-range pigs also require good forage and water availability, faring better in moderate climates. KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga have moderate rainfall and milder temperatures, which are conducive to good pasture growth. These areas would be well-suited to free-ranging. The Western Cape and Gauteng climates vary between winter and summer, and a free-range system here would require adequate shade and irrigation to thrive. The Northern Cape and Limpopo would be better suited for robust breeds with more indigenous genetics due to the extreme heat and water scarcity. When the climate does not naturally support the needs of the pig, more supplementary feeding and infrastructure are needed, which leads to higher input costs. Housing should be available to free-range pigs, especially in less extensive systems where natural shelter cannot be utilised. Housing should provide shade and a dry sleeping area for the pigs. Simple open-sided wooden or steel frames with roofs will be efficient. Semi-enclosed hut structures with bedding, such as straw, offer the best protection for farrowing and piglet rearing. Designs for mobile housing include simple moveable steel pens and a “pig-tractor”. This is where a pen is mounted on wheels and can be Figure 2: TOPIG (left) and DanBred (right) Figure 3: Duroc breed Figure 4: Kolbroek (left) and Windsnyer (right) Figure 5: Examples of permanent housing www.agribonus.co.za Spring/Summer 2026 BONUS 79