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Feeding and barn management strategies that maximize feed efficiency

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Book cover Feed efficiency in swine

Abstract

The stockperson is responsible for the daily care and welfare of pigs in the barn. Through their actions, they also can influence overall feed efficiency. Prior to loading pigs, thoroughly cleaning and operating the facility in an all-in, all-out manner has shown to improve pig performance and feed efficiency. Removing feed from previous groups of pigs and repairing feeding and ventilation equipment influence closeout feed efficiency. When loading the barn, pigs should not be sorted into narrow weight categories. With weanling pigs, mat feeding can help increase feed consumption and reduce mortality immediately after weaning; however, prolonged mat feeding will result in feed wastage. After loading, daily chores that influence overall feed efficiency include individual pig treatment and timely euthanasia, ensuring water and feed availability, feeding the appropriate diet, managing the air quality and environmental temperature, properly adjusting feeders, and handling pigs in a positive manner. Removing a portion of the pigs from all pens during initial marketing events can result in feed savings while maximizing weight produced from the facility. Withdrawing feed prior to market also can result in feed savings. Proper handling during loading and transport to the processor to minimize mortality also can influence closeout feed efficiency. The stockperson can play a large role in improving overall feed efficiency by how they manage their day-to-day activities in the barn. This chapter will focus on these activities and their impact on feed efficiency.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, 246 Weber Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506-8028, USA

    M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband, J. M. DeRouchey, S. S. Dritz & J. L. Nelssen

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  1. M. D. Tokach
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  2. R. D. Goodband
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  3. J. M. DeRouchey
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  4. S. S. Dritz
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  5. J. L. Nelssen
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Correspondence to M. D. Tokach .

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John F. Patience

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Tokach, M.D., Goodband, R.D., DeRouchey, J.M., Dritz, S.S., Nelssen, J.L. (2012). Feeding and barn management strategies that maximize feed efficiency. In: Patience, J.F. (eds) Feed efficiency in swine. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-756-1_2

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