Comparative analysis between market-oriented and subsistence pig farmers’ breeding objectives, practices, traits preferences and selection criteria in Burkina Faso

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Résumé

This study aimed to investigate pig farmers’ breeding practices, trait preferences and selection criteria
as well as their potential implications for the promotion of sustainable breeding strategies in two
agroecological zones of Burkina Faso. Data were collected from 387 farmers, randomly selected, using
semi-structured questionnaires covering extensive rural subsistence farms and semi-intensive peri-
urban market-oriented farms. Means were compared using t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, or both,
depending on the applicable case, while proportions were compared using chi-square tests. Traits
preferences and selection criteria were assessed by the computing indexes of ranking. Results showed
that income generation was the primary motivation for keeping pigs in both systems. Given the highest
index value, Breed was ranked as a primary sow (0.389) and boar (0.408) selection criteria followed by
body size in market-oriented farming system. Similar patterns were observed in subsistence systems.
The most common trait preferences were fattening weight of offspring and prolificacy in market-oriented
systems, while in subsistence systems they were fattening weight, prolificacy, and coat color. These
findings suggest that selection strategies focusing on these traits could promote the adoption of genetic
improvement programs while supporting the conservation and valorization of well-adapted local breeds.

Mots-clés

Pigs, trait preferences, market, subsistence, Burkina Faso