With feed costs being the major financial component of rearing pigs, any improvements in feed conversion efficiency are enormously important, says ACMC veterinary consultant, Paul Thompson.
“With the boar contributing 50% of the genetics to this generation, the correct choice of terminal sire is vital,” he adds.
“In particular, those producers using their own boars and on-site AI, or natural service, should regularly discuss with their breeding stock supplier the selection and upgrading of these boars to take advantage of on-going genetic improvements.”