A Method to Determine the Feed Conversion Coefficient in Farm Pigs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out a formula for the feed conversion coefficient which is applicable solely to farm pigs. The study was performed by applying a hybrid model of growth of pigs. The model of growth of animals in this research was not advanced, it was published elsewhere. In this study only necessary equations of the model were used. Feed conversion coefficient is a complicated trait. In this research the usually used formula of feed conversion coefficient was revised and transformed. In the study three features of feed conversion were analysed. The reason to distinct the three case studies was that the feed conversion coefficient differs in the same weight pigs under condition that one is a growing animal but other reached its maximum weight. The first case study concerns pigs that reached their maximum weight. The second case study concerns growing animals in a limited weight range. Third one considers a general case; weight range from weaning up to maximum weight. There are three results in this study. The first one suggests a formula for the average feed conversion coefficient in pigs which reached their maximum weight. The second result suggests a formula of the average feed conversion coefficient for growing animals in a limited weight range. Third result suggests a formula of the average feed conversion coefficient for pigs in any weight range between 30 ± 6 kg, and maximum weight.