Report no. 813
15.04.2008
Risk factors for poor feed conversion ratios in finishers
Abstract
A risk factor study was conducted in 100 herds with a good feed
conversion ratio (control herds) and in 100 herds with a poor feed
conversion ratio (case herds). The study thus comprised 200 herds
divided among two herd groups:
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Group 1 (control):
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Good feed conversion ratio (max. 2.75 FUgp per kg gain)
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Group 2 (case):
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Poor feed conversion ratio (min. 2.92 FUgp per kg gain)
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The herds were selected on the basis of the last year’s production
results. All the herds were included in the national average for
the P control in DLBR-Svine IT. The study consisted of one visit to
each herd during which an interview was conducted on the basis of a
questionnaire that included questions concerning feed and feeding,
design of the facility, climate/ventilation in the facility, health
and management. Furthermore, recordings were made in three sections
per herd concerning feeding, design of the facility,
climate/ventilation and health. The diets in each herd were
analysed for particle distribution (grinding) and for content of
water and crude protein. A personality test was made of the person
in charge of the finisher facility. In herds with a sow unit, a
weaner index was calculated, which showed the breeding value of the
pigs. Furthermore, information was collected via VetStat concerning
medicine consumption and information on the prevalence of chronic
adhesive pleurisy was obtained from the slaughterhouse
settlements.
The risk factors with the greatest influence on the feed conversion
ratio of finishers were calculated. The results were computed as
relative risk (Odds Ratio) for poor feed conversion ratio
corresponding to min. 2.92 FUgp per kg gain compared with the
probability for a good feed conversion ratio corresponding to max.
2.75 FUgp per kg gain.
The study revealed that the relative risk for a poor feed
conversion ratio is:
- 5.1 times higher in herds with a grower facility
- 4.1 times higher in herds where the pigs suffer from
respiratory disorders requiring group medication
- 2.9 times higher in herds with continuous operation in the
finisher sections
- 2.6 times higher in herds with feed mixed on-farm
- 2.5 times higher in herds with liquid feed
- 1.3 times higher when the percentage of unthrifty pigs
increases by 1%
Four of these six risk factors are directly or indirectly
related to health matters including disruption of infections. This
applies to the factors: grower facility, respiratory disorders,
continuous operation and unthrifty pigs. Good health conditions and
efficient disruption of infection are therefore essential in
obtaining a good feed conversion ratio.
The two risk factors concerning feed (mixed on-farm and liquid
feed) are assumed to be related to incorrect management of mixing
and feeding equipment in many herds. In herds with computerised
mixing and feeding equipment, the risk of errors is expected to be
higher than in herds using pelleted purchased feed fed via simple
dry feeding systems. When using feed mixed on-farm and/or liquid
feed, it is therefore crucial to check and manage the mixing and
feeding system optimally to minimise the risk of errors in the
mixing and feeding process and thereby obtain a good feed
conversion ratio.
Besides the six risk factors for poor feed conversion ratios that
constitute the main result of the study, the study also
demonstrated that many of the other factors that were investigated
within feed and feeding, design of the facility,
climate/ventilation, health and management also influence the feed
conversion ratio to a minor degree.
Et udtryk der bruges om landmandens overordnede driftsledelse af sin besætning. Der er et engelsk udtryk som sammenfatter begreberne: organisering, strategi, ledelse, handling, mm.
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