Hogs are split sex fed in curtain-sided, naturally ventilated buildings with thermostatically controlled sprinkler systems. Partially slatted pens are 10 by 20 feet, allowing an average of 28 pigs per pen. Next time we will weigh the pigs every two weeks while they are in the grow-finisher unit. I still need to know whether to adjust the totals and the protein content up or down. Increased accuracy is both a requirement and a benefit of successful lean growth modeling, say both Turner and Lyvers, and increased accuracy means better records.
Good records are indispensable with lean-growth modeling.
Lyvers noted that the bare minimum is the kind of information elicited by programs like PigChamp. Also, he'll begin using ultrasound to check lean disposition during grow finish. Data will be fed into the equation so he can further refine the ingredients, timing and number of his rations. Eventually, pork producers will be able to download it from the Worldwide Web. Producers can maximize profits by optimizing the interactions of genetics, nutrition, environment, marketing and management.