With the high price of feed focusing attention on feed conversion, ACMC veterinary consultant, Paul Thompson, advises pig producers to check that the basics are correct.
One of the first tasks is to ensure that feed wastage is avoided, which includes controlling vermin and birds.
It is important, he says, to check that hoppers are clean, feed is flowing and that pigs are not experiencing periods without feed. There should be adequate feeding space per pig.
In addition, at least one drinking nipple per 15 pigs on ad-lib feed must be provided and, for finishers, water must flow at the rate of at least 1 litre per minute.
