Improved performance in GB sow herds have seen the average number of pigs weaned per sow hit 25.9 in the 12 months ending March 2018 – an increase of 0.8 pigs compared to the 12-month period ending March 2017.

The figures from Agrosoft for the first quarter of 2018, also point to a rise in the number of pigs born alive per litter and a slight decrease in indoor pre-weaning mortality rates.

However, while indoor herds noted improvements, the outdoor herd recorded a slight decline in the number of pigs weaned per sow per year, compared to the 2017 average, standing at 23.9 pigs for the first quarter, while the number of pigs born alive per litter rose marginally, albeit counteracted by a higher pre-weaning mortality rate.

Interestingly, indoor breeding herds also recorded improvements in terms of inputs in the 12 months to March 2018, with the annual average feed consumption of each indoor sow falling by 45kg compared to the 2017 average. Conversely, annual feed consumption for each outdoor sow increased by 26kg over the same period. This meant that the difference between indoor and outdoor sow feed consumption widened to 235kg, compared to 164kg last year.

The report showed performance traits for the rearing and finishing herd were generally positive, with the feed conversion ratio (FCR) for rearing pigs decreasing slightly from the 2017 average, to 1.75. This is, however, still 0.04 points above the 12-month average for this time last year. Meanwhile, the FCR for finishing pigs decreased significantly from the 2017 average, declining 0.16 points to 2.70. A lower FCR means less feed is required per kilogram of weight gained.

On average, pigs were transferred between rearing and finishing units a day earlier and at a lighter weight in the latest period, compared to the overall 2017 average. Combined with declining average rearer pig feed consumption, the overall result was a decrease in rearer daily liveweight gain of 20g compared to the 2017 average, at 496g/day. This was despite the increase in FCR.

Despite on average arriving at the finishing unit a day earlier, feed consumption for finishing pigs also declined relative to the 2017 average. This reflects the more efficient feed conversion ratios being recorded, as daily liveweight gain was higher, according to Agrosoft. Compared to last year, the average live weight at slaughter has also been higher, averaging 109.7kg.

With feed costs rising, the improved feed conversion ratios have been key to minimising production cost increases.