Grower-finisher pig management

What is grower-finisher pig management a matter of?

Production efficiency

What are the 3 general goals of grower-finisher pig management?

1. Time - As much pork as possible in the least amount of time

2. Inputs - Least cost possible

3. Quality - High quality of products

A combination of what is needed to be competitive?

Time

What is the #1 concern for the environment for grower-finisher pigs?

Temperature

What is Lower Critical Temperature (LCT)?

Below this point

What is Thermoneutral zone?

Where heat production offsets heat loss

• does not have to use a single cell to heat up or cool down

What is Upper Critical Temperature (UCT)?

Above this point pigs are heat-stressed

• Feed intake decreases

• Growth decreases

• Loss of money

What temperatures are LCT

thermoneutral

LCT and UCT are affected by what?

Pig weights

What is the main effect of temperatures?

The regulation of feed intake

When cold (LCT) pigs eat:

When hot (UCT) pigs eat:

LCT: Eat more

UCT: Eat less

How do we fix pigs being in LCT?

Add more heat

How do we fix pigs being in UCT?

Add extra energy in the form of fats in the diet to increase metabolism

*Fat is 2.25x higher in energy than CHOs

What is the recommended temperature for grower-finisher pigs?

60-70°F

Pigs can tolerate and even possibly thrive at what temperatures?

Lower temperatures

Besides just temperature

what should there be a relationship with?

What are the 4 other environtmental concerns we discussed?

1. Hydrogen Sulfide

2. Ammonia

3. CO

4. Dust and particulate matter

Characteristics of Hydrogen Sulfide:

• Has odor of a rotten egg

• See problems at 10 ppm

• Death at 600 ppm

Characteristics of Ammonia (NH3):

• Released from manure and urine

• Sharp and pungent odor

• Performance decreases at 50 ppm

Characteristics of CO:

• Incomplete combustion of fuels

• Toxic at 50 ppm

Characteristics of Dust and particulate matter:

• Carrier of Microorganism

• Cause allergies

• Maximum amounts at 5-10 mg/m3

What are some considerations in controlling environmental gases?

• Ventilation

• Keep floors dry and clean

• Agitate stored manure

• No use of un-vented heaters

• Use facts to reduce dustiness