The Farmers Mart Aug/Sep 2013 - Issue 29 | Page 72

MACHINERY IMPROVE RETURNS BY CONCENTRATING ON FEED CONVERSION Feeding herd performance is far more important to a pig unit, financially, than litter performance. While pigs reared per sow per year is not insignificant, efficient feed conversion is crucial. But the latest available figures from BPEX show that Britain lags behind its continental competitors in this important trait, Ed Sutcliffe, geneticist with pig-breeding company, ACMC, told a meeting of farmers at Great Dunmow recently. Average feed conversion efficiency had deteriorated in the UK by 0.2 between 2009 and 2010 and was a 0.3 behind that in Danish herds. “This is far more relevant financially than producing extra piglets,” said Mr Sutcliffe. Britain weaned just 22 pigs per sow annually in 2010, compared with 28.1 in Denmark. He calculated that in a 500-sow herd, increasing pigs sold from 20.76 to 26.24 would involve 114 fewer sows, saving £34,000 in feed costs, worth £3.36 per pig produced. But improving feed conversion by 0.2 in the same herd would be worth between £4.96 and £10.29 per pig, either through less feed being eaten or through faster growth. “While it would be unfair to say the industry has the wrong focus on sow productivity, it is reasonable to say that our poor feeding herd performance is what is really hurting farmers, especially given the period of high feed prices we have endured. “ Subscription costs just £21 for 6 issues and can be paid by credit card or cheque. Simply call Ian Wilkinson on 01226 321 450 or email [email protected]. www.farmers-mart.co.uk Philip Ltd Hall Farm, Stainton, Nr. Rotherham, S. Yorkshire S66 7QY Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected] www.philipwatkins.co.uk 2.4m Mounted TRI-TILL Also available 3m and 3.6m 5m QUAD-TILL Available 3m to 6m 3m Heavy Duty Stubble Cultivator Available mounted 3m, 3.5m and 4m Also available Trailed 4m to 12m 4.8m Incorporator 72 Aug/Sep 2013 FarmersMart To read more, visit www.farmers-mart.co.uk