October 2002
Exploring factors that impact
growth rates and efficiency of lean
gain in grow-finish production is
the subject of this 35th edition of
the Blueprint series from National
Hog Farmer.
Four experts provide an
overview of finishing efficiency,
nutrition auditing, housing concerns
and health issues.
In the overview, University of
Nebraska’s Mike Brumm traces the
changes and the progress the pork
industry has achieved during the
past two decades.
Kansas State University (KSU)
swine nutritionists Mike Tokach
and Steve Dritz cover the swine
nutrition audit they developed to
review nutritional programs
around the world. The auditing
process was formulated into an
Extension program at KSU in 1998.
Environmental challenges of
changing facility designs over the
last 5 to 15 years are tackled by
South Dakota State University agricultural
engineer Steve Pohl.
In the last article, Minnesota
veterinarian Paul Yeske suggests
practices and products to attain
high-health status and boost efficiency
in grow-finish production.
Blueprint Features: Improving Finishing Efficiency
Tracking Progress in Grow-Finish
Oct 15, 2002 12:00 PM, by Mike Brumm University of Nebraska
For grow-finish pigs, the changes in expectations, production performance and parameters in the past 20-plus years are striking. A good example of the...
Nutrition Audits Target Finishing Performance
Oct 15, 2002 12:00 PM, by Mike Tokach and Steve Dritz, DVM Kansas State University
When cost or performance in the nursery or finisher misses targets, a systematic audit can help identify the reasons why. The nutrition audit consists...
Comfort Drives Pig Efficiency
Oct 15, 2002 12:00 PM, by Steve Pohl South Dakota State University
The past 10 years or so have brought significant changes in swine finishing facility design. Leading the way have been fully slotted, curtain-sided barns;...
Keys to Achieving High-Health Status
Oct 15, 2002 12:00 PM, by Paul Yeske, DVM Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, MN
Health is key for efficient grow-finish performance. Without good health, an animal's potential cannot be fully expressed. Lower health status is a leading...
