ASRP Optimal Market Weight Analysis

ASRP Market Weight Analysis

Optimal Carcass Weight?

What are the cost and benefits of going to a higher carcass weight, and does it pay to do so?

Conventional thought indicates that it does, as the industry has continued to increase weights. Higher carcass weights increase throughput of the packing plant and thus reduce processing cost per pig. Assuming there are sufficient rewards for the producer, it should pay the producer increase marking weights. A request was made to the ASRP for a more detailed assessment of this assumption. A preliminary scan of the literature indicated the following:

Try a Grid !

Magnum

High Performance

Barrows by Pig Barrows by Pig

Barrows by Batch Barrows by Batch

Gilts by Pig Gilts by Pig

Gilts by Batch Gilts by Batch

There are differences in animal performance as slaughter weights increase.

The most recent information indicates an increase in feed conversion and a slight decrease in carcass lean yield

There appears to be no problem in pork quality and taste as the carcass is larger

Quite clearly there is more time needed in the barn, which would increase housing costs per pig

Intuitively, as feed prices change and pig prices change the benefits of higher carcass weights should change. It is reasonable to suggest that during times of higher pig prices and lower feed costs, it should pay to increase carcass weights, on the other hand low pig prices and high feed costs may show that higher carcass weights do not benefit the producer.

The impacts of the above factors can be predicted using the known information combined with research estimates from existing data. The data uses Maple Leaf's Magnum and High Performance grids. The assumptions of the model are as follows:

   1. Feed conversion changes due to carcass weight are as published by per Pieterse.
   2. Lean yield changes associated with carcass weight are from the ASRP pig barn database
   3. Price is adjustable by producer
   4. Grid is adjustable by producer
   5. Housing cost is $0.10 per pig per day and adjustable to meet individual producer's costs
   6. Growth rates of gilts is adjustable by producer
   7. Growth rates of barrows is adjustable by producer
   8. Revenue calculations are from 20kg to various market weights
   9. Dressing percentage is set at 80%

Work still required in making the model more precise:

Verify feed conversion data with local data

Verify lean yield data with larger data from other farms and genotypes

The model compares different carcass weights on an individual basis and as well a barn basis where when a larger carcass weight would reduce the number of pigs sold.

It is important to realize these results are a prediction only, and results may vary by farm, health status and genetics of the pigs. This market weight analysis software is provided as a means to guide and help producers consider decisions regarding choosing an optimal carcass weight.

Empowering Maritime Swine Producers to participate in the research and innovation
needed to face present and future challenges.