What determines whether pig fattening results are good? The key lies in these few factors
????1. Breed and type
There are many pig breeds and various types, which greatly affect fattening. Due to differences in the conditions under which pig breeds and types were formed and bred, differences in economic traits among pig breeds, and differences in people's demand for pig products, fattening performance and carcass quality also differ among breeds and types. When fattening under conditions based mainly on concentrated feed, local pig breeds in China gain weight faster and have higher feed utilization than foreign pigs.
Carcass quality also differs among breeds and types. The early-maturing meat-type Yorkshire pig has already developed full fat when its live weight reaches 45.5 kg, and its hind legs are already well developed; the late-maturing Yorkshire is still increasing body length at the same body weight, with an underdeveloped hindquarters and a higher proportion of bone. Therefore, only by understanding the fattening performance of breeds and types and adopting corresponding fattening measures can the effectiveness of fattening be improved.
????2. Economic crossbreeding
Crossbreeding between pig breeds or lines and utilizing heterosis is one of the effective measures to improve fattening. The offspring obtained through crossbreeding have strong vitality, gain weight quickly, have a shortened fattening period, improved feed utilization, and reduced costs.
????3. Sex
Production practice in pig farming in China has proven that after castration, boars and sows are quieter in temperament, have increased appetite, faster weight gain, enhanced fat deposition, and improved meat quality. After castration, pigs lose sexual function, and the nutrients they absorb can be used more for putting on fat and growing meat.
????4. Piglet birth weight and weaning weight
Generally, piglets with a high birth weight have strong vitality, a robust constitution, and fast growth, so their weaning weight is greater and their weight gain during the fattening period is faster. Piglet birth weight and weaning weight are closely related to fattening results. Only by emphasizing the selection and feeding management of breeding pigs and strengthening piglet rearing to increase piglet birth weight and weaning weight can a good foundation be laid for fattening.
????5. Nutrition and feed
The nutritional level has a great influence on fattening. Generally speaking, the more energy a fattening pig ingests, the faster its daily weight gain, the higher its feed utilization, and the higher its dressing percentage; the carcass fat content is also greater, and the backfat is thicker. Feed is the direct source of nutrients for pigs. Because various feeds contain different nutrients, a variety of feeds should be combined to form a nutritionally complete daily ration.
????6. Temperature, humidity, and stocking density
The suitable temperature for fattening pigs is 15-23°C. Being too cold or too hot will affect fattening results, reduce weight gain speed, and affect feed utilization. Under high-temperature conditions, pigs' appetite decreases and feed intake is reduced; under low-temperature conditions, feed intake increases and heat loss is greater. If stocking density is too high, the microclimate temperature in the pen rises and air flow decreases, reducing pigs' feed intake, feed utilization, and daily weight gain. Generally, it is appropriate to raise 10-20 pigs per pen, with 0.8-1.0 sq m per pig.
????7. Light
The length of light exposure has no obvious effect on the weight gain and feed utilization of fattening pigs, but if the light is too intense, it easily causes pigs to become excited and restless, affecting rest and thereby affecting weight gain.
Liu Yu, Bai Yila