Promoting uniform growth in grower-finisher pigs
The percentage of carcasses within a desired weight range is a very important measure for the processing plant. To avoid penalties, pig producers need to ensure their herd’s uniformity. We recommend implementing dietary measures to stimulate the growth of low-weight animals and ultimately achieve improved uniformity of the herd.
How to recognise
High variation in body weight in the final phase signals uniformity issues.
The impact on the farmer
High variation in pigs’ body weight causes difficulties with barn emptying. It may also result in packer penalties for carcasses under the standard on the grid (increasing production costs) or above the standard (decreasing earnings for the producer).
Achieving uniform growth in the grower-finisher herd is key to optimising the producer’s profitability.