Aim and Scope

African Journal of Pig Farming ISSN 2375-0731 is an open access peer-reviewed international scientific journal in the field of pig science. It offers comprehensive information concerning genetics and breeding, physiology, reproduction, nutrition and feeds, technology, ethology and economics of pigs.

African Journal of Pig Farming accept manuscripts dealing with all the processes involved in raising and breeding of domestic pigs for food and sometimes for their skin. The objective of the journal is to publish peer-reviewed papers with a scope that encompasses the many domains of applied pig health and production, including the diagnosis, treatment, management, prevention and eradication of swine diseases, welfare & behavior, nutrition, public health, epidemiology, food safety, biosecurity, pharmaceuticals, antimicrobial use and resistance, reproduction, growth, systems flow, economics, and facility design.

The journal provides a platform for researchers, veterinary practitioners, academics, and students to share their work with an international audience.  

Aim and Scope

The African Journal of Pig Farming is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and research in the field of pig farming, with a particular emphasis on the unique challenges and opportunities within the African context. The journal aims to foster the sustainable development of the pig farming sector, addressing issues related to productivity, animal health, nutrition, genetics, market access, and the socio-economic aspects of pig production.

The journal provides a platform for interdisciplinary research that contributes to the scientific understanding of pig farming systems and promotes the adoption of best practices and innovations to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of pig farming in Africa.

Key Areas of Focus:

  1. Breeding and Genetics
    • Research on the genetic improvement of pigs to enhance productivity, disease resistance, and adaptability to local conditions.
    • Studies on breeding systems, selection criteria, and sustainable breeding practices for African pig farmers.
    • Genetic diversity and the role of indigenous pig breeds in African farming systems.
  2. Animal Health and Welfare
    • Studies on the prevention, control, and management of diseases affecting pigs, including emerging diseases and zoonotic threats.
    • Animal welfare issues, including housing systems, handling practices, and ethical considerations in pig farming.
    • Biosecurity measures and veterinary interventions to ensure healthy, disease-free pig populations.
  3. Nutrition and Feed Management
    • Research on optimizing pig nutrition through cost-effective and sustainable feed formulations.
    • The use of local feed resources and the development of alternative feed strategies to improve productivity and reduce costs.
    • The impact of nutrition on growth performance, reproductive health, and overall pig health.
  4. Production Systems and Farm Management
    • Analysis of different pig farming systems (e.g., extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive systems) and their implications for productivity and sustainability.
    • Innovative farming techniques and management practices that improve the efficiency and profitability of pig farming in Africa.
    • The role of farm management practices in improving production outcomes and reducing operational costs.
  5. Pork Quality and Meat Processing
    • Research on the quality of pork, including meat characteristics, processing methods, and post-harvest handling.
    • Advances in pork processing, packaging, and preservation techniques to enhance product quality and shelf life.
    • Value-added pork products and their potential to increase the economic returns from pig farming.
  6. Economic and Market Development
    • Economic analysis of pig farming, including cost structures, profitability, and financial management for small- and large-scale operations.
    • Market trends, consumer preferences, and the demand for pork products in African and international markets.
    • The role of pig farming in rural development, job creation, and poverty reduction in Africa.
  7. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
    • Research on the environmental impacts of pig farming, including waste management, resource utilization, and the reduction of carbon footprints.
    • Sustainable farming practices that minimize the negative environmental impacts of pig farming, such as water and land use efficiency, and waste recycling.
    • Strategies to enhance the resilience of pig farming systems to climate change.
  8. Policy and Extension Services
    • The role of government policies, regulations, and subsidies in supporting the growth and sustainability of the pig farming sector.
    • The importance of extension services and farmer education in promoting best practices and new technologies.
    • The development of supportive policy frameworks that facilitate market access, food safety standards, and health regulations for pig farming.

Mission:

The mission of the African Journal of Pig Farming is to promote sustainable, productive, and economically viable pig farming systems across Africa. The journal aims to contribute to:

  • Enhancing the understanding of key scientific, technical, and managerial issues in pig farming.
  • Supporting the development of innovative solutions to challenges faced by pig farmers, particularly in resource-limited settings.
  • Encouraging the adoption of best practices in animal health, nutrition, and farm management to improve the overall productivity and profitability of pig farming.