Swine Feed Efficiency: Effect of Sow Feed on Whole Farm Efficiency

Feeding the sow herd has direct and indirect influences on whole herd feed efficiency. Direct effects on sow herd feed efficiency should be analyzed by phase. Within each phase, sow weight gain (\u3e 6:1 F/G), gilt developing gain (\u3c4:1 F/G), and nursing pig gain (\u3c3.5:1 F/G) have very different feed efficiency ratios and value of gain. Indirect influences on whole herd feed efficiency are dependent on the quality of the weaned pig. A larger and healthier weaned pig will have lower morbidity, mortality and faster growth rate influencing wean to finish feed efficienc