The Kuliglig Power

Kuliglig defined from Wikipedia -  A kuliglig is a vehicle composed of a two-wheeled trailer pulled by a two wheeled tractor similar to a rotary tiller. It is a multi-purpose diesel or gasoline engine, commonly used in the provinces of the Philippines. The kuliglig traces its etymology from the Filipino term kuliglig, meaning "cricket" which was adopted by one manufacturer as a brand.

Common utilization of kuliglig

A Carabao replacement. It is a more handy tool for farming.
When connected to a trailer, it can be used for the transportation of people or farm goods.
When connected to a water pump, it can be used for irrigating rice and vegetable fields; at times it is also used for fish pond operations.
When connected to a grindstone, it can be used for sharpening blades, sanding and steel brushing.
On some occasions or festivals, it is used as a float during parades.
It is sometimes used for races.

Recently we just acquired a kuliglig for the main reason that the we're expanding our agricultural farm to more than 3 hectares and if we just rent a kuliglig during planting season then we'll be behind since most kuligligs were also busy on other farms so it's really an advantage having your own. It costs us 36,000.00 PHP (790 USD) including the trailer.

Fattener versus piglets

Just had a discussion recently with my business partner regarding piglets and fattener on which is the best way to go. Based on facts when it comes to fattener the piggery owner needs more capital, effort and time and of course added risk on live weight price fluctuation and diseases.

When it comes to piglets the piggery owner has less effort, less capital and have a better chance of recovering the capital right away.

I've also made some research and this is what I found from Pinoy Agribusiness Forum.

Fattening is very profitable although the investment is pretty high. You will earn from 20-40% depending on the live weight price.

In selling piglet the cost is not that high but you could earn as much as 20-40% also depending on the demand of piglets.

The problem with selling piglets most of the time not all piglets are sold.

So if you have limited budget better to sell the piglets and then the unsold ones will be a fattener. In some instance the profit from the piglet sold can finance the fattening and also the sow.

Swine Production February 2010

Currently we have two heads of sow and planning on expanding at some stage. Recently both got 20 piglets. Now we're looking at expanding the piggery building since we'll do the fattener of the 20 piglets instead of disposing it. Backyard swine breeding and backyard cattle raising is part of our investment as an agribusiness alternative.

Tips on Swine Raising Introduction

Found this document on some Tips on swine raising introduction from the Department of Agriculture website. Reposting on my blog for easy reference. I am still in the process of finding some more information on backyard cattle raising related articles.