Optimal Hog Slaughter Weights Under Alternative Pricing Systems

Three hog genotypes are simulated to determine how producer profits, economically optimal slaughter weights, and carcass component weights change under three pricing modeIs, Live weight pricing pays more for the fatter barrows whereas a three component (separate payments for fat, lean, and byproducts) and six component (separate payments for major primal cuts, other lean, fat, and byproducts) pricing system pay more for the leaner gilts. Implications for selection of genetic stock and pricing system are presented. Key Words. swine production management, hog pricing systems, hog marketing Crop farmers in most regions of the United States cannot grow crops in the winter months and must harvest when the crop is ready in the fall. Pork producers raising animals in confinement buildings are not constrained by seasonal weather, and thus, have completely flexible starting and ending production points. Consequently, in order t