Factors affecting the performance of pigs in the growing and finishing phases

Abstract

The objective of this work was to identify and quantify, through multiple linear regression models, the factors of production that affect the daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of pigs in the growing and finishing phases, in farms linked to a company. The production records of 690 batches were evaluated, representing approximately 363 thousand animals housed between 2010 and 2013 in 118 commercial farms linked to a company in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Forty‑four factors of production related to facilities, management, health status, genetics, and feeding were considered. Daily feed intake (DFI) was lower in batches from farms that had trees planted on the sides of the barns and in those formed only by females. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in batches from farms with trees on the sides of the barns, housed during summer/fall, originated from farms with barns built of masonry and that had compost bins and specialized units for producing piglets. The initial and final weights of the batches affected DFI, and the initial weight and duration of the growing and finishing phases, the FCR. The multiple linear regression models allow identifying important variables and estimating their effects on FCR and DFI of pigs in the growing and finishing phases.