March 2, 2007

Average feed conversion up in Dutch pigs
 

The average feed conversion in Dutch fattening pigs increased by 0.02 to 2.93 in 2006, in comparison to 2005.

As a consequence of this - in combination with higher costs for raw materials - total feed costs increased with 0.03 euro to 0.47 euro per kilogramme growth, according to preliminary data from Dutch feed company ForFarmers and software company Agrovision.

ForFarmers say the increase in both feed conversion and feed costs are mainly due to the ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), which came into effect in January 1, 2006.

In spite of these figures, technical results were better in 2006, when compared to the year before. Meat percentage increased from 56.3 to 56.5 percent. Furthermore, the mortality rate in fattening pigs decreased from 3.0 to 2.8 percent.

Liveweight of fattening pigs increased by half a kilogramme to 116.1 while slaughterweight increased with 0.3 kilogramme to 90.3. Farrowing weight decreased with 0.2 kilogramme to 25.3.

However, the growth rate of the fattening pigs decreased by 2 grams to 772 grams per day.