Pigs 2

Question 1

What is feed conversion ratio and feed conversion efficiency and give an example

Answer 1

• A measure of an animal’s efficiency at converting a mass of feed into LWG (want it to be low!)
• It is expressed as a ratio of the feed consumed to the live weight gained

• Eg if an animal has an FCR of 2:1 – this means that the animal would have to consume 2 kg of feed to put on 1 kg of LWG

Question 2

What Factors affect FCR values in pigs

Answer 2

• Diet
• Breed
• Health
• Housing
• Management.

Question 3

What diseases directly affect litter size

Answer 3

• Erysipelas (bacterial)
• PRRS (viral)
• Parvovirus/SMEDI (viral)

Question 4

What is cross fostering

Answer 4

• Farmers often take some piglets from large litters and put them on sows with smaller litters

Question 5

What are nurse sows

Answer 5

• Farmers also put surplus piglets on sows that have had their litter weaned

Question 6

What are rescue desks

Answer 6

the process where piglets are weaned on to milk replacer in a separate dedicated rearing pen

Question 7

Effect of age on FCR

Answer 7

• FCR values increase with age and weight (not a good thing)
• So the efficiency at which an animal converts feed to LWG decreases with age and weight
• Piglets have low FCR values meaning they will convert most of their feed into bone and muscle
• As an animal gets older more fat is deposited on its body and it takes more energy to produce muscle

Question 8

Genetic technology

Answer 8

• Genomic selection
• Genotyping
• Gene editing technology

Question 9

Four functions that technology can do

Answer 9

• Carry out electronic ear tagging
• Scan ear and distribute sows allocated amount of
feed
• Can check on sows that may be sick
• Can check sows that need to be vaccinated, scanned or moved to farrowing house

Question 10

Management practises housing and handling pigs - 3

Answer 10

• Must have isolation unit with comfortable bedding for
sick pigs, injured, bullied pigs
• Each unit should have fresh water supply and be disinfected
• One way movement system of pigs should be used

Question 11

Board bia quality assurance scheme

Answer 11

• Certified farmers must: provide a safe, secure,
hygienic and comfortable environment for pigs
• Housing must be maintained to avoid injury and distress
• Ventilation system
• Vermin proof
• Pigs should never be handled roughly

Question 12

Optimal health and welfare

Answer 12

• Breeding all replacement stock is key to preventing the buying in of disease
• Only essential personnel to enter farm
• Must have had ‘clean time’
• Shower on entry and leaving
• Wear full PPE
• Disinfect footwear