Slower growth follows copper reduction
UK - Following the dramatic reduction, earlier this year, in dietary copper levels in rations fed to pigs above three months of age, many producers have seen a decline in growth rate in finishers of between 30g and 70 g per day.
This is the equivalent to extending age at slaughter by four to 10 days, points out JSR Genetics.
On many farms this has been accompanied by an increase in grower scours, prolapses and twisted guts, all associated with reduced digestibility.
Furthermore, not only does the slower growth have implications for stocking rates and ultimate weights at slaughter, it will also have an impact on carcase quality.
The company therefore urges producers to check growth rates and grading profiles and to seek advice from their nutritionist regarding any necessary amendments to diet specification for these finishers where significant deviation from the past is occurring.
Source: JSR Genetics - 24th August 2004
