This is part three of a three-part series on the 2017-2021 Production Analysis Summary for the U.S. Pork Industry.
Although the 2017-2021 Production Analysis Summary for the U.S. Pork Industry uncovered some mortality challenges, it also uncovered many bright spots in the industry.
Brad Eckberg, business analyst at MetaFarms, Inc., says from a performance standpoint, the total born averages in sow farms continues to rise. The average born alive was 13.6 and pigs weaned per sow at 11.40. Both are at five-year highs.
He credits genetic companies for continuing to push the norm to improve. He also notes the work producers have done to add farrowing space and ultimately get a bigger, hardier nursery pig to start.
In addition, out weights continue to trend upwards while days on feed trended down. Days on feed for nursery pigs remained unchanged at 44.7 days. However, the out-weight increased by 1.29 pounds from 2017 to 2021.
In grow-finish, days on feed decreased by 4.1 pounds while the out-weight increased by 4.77 pounds between 2017 to 2021.
Feed conversion in wean-to-finish has changed little, going from 2.57 to 2.61 pounds of feed per pound gain from 2017 to 2021, the report notes.
“Amazingly, feed efficiency has been maintained, especially when you think about all of the tools for efficient nutrient utilization that have been removed from our producers’ belts,” says Chris Hostetler, director of animal science of the National Pork Board.
For example, pork producers are feeding more corn distillers grains. This is a lower energy, higher fiber type of diet, which would lower the feed efficiency, he adds.
Also, fewer producers are using ractopamine and the industry has lost many growth-promoting antibiotics in the nursery phase that would improve feed efficiency. Maintaining feed efficiency while losing these tools is a testament to genetics, biosecurity, facilities and management.
“Feed efficiency is really a driver of sustainability. As we look at improving feed efficiency, that also improves our sustainability metrics in almost every category,” Hostetler says.
Read Part One:
Preweaning Piglet Mortality Hits Five-Year High
Read Part Two:
