Advice on Expected Pork Shortage
UK - The world’s pig farmers are warning of a shortage of bacon and pork next year because pig-feed has become unaffordable following disastrous growing and harvesting weather. Governments are becoming increasingly concerned.
17 September 2012
2 minute read
By: BPEX 2TS provides its feed crisis advice:
Do Not
- Be tempted to scrimp on feed quantity or quality
- Cut back on vaccination programmes to save cost
- Keep pigs back and cause stocking density problems or shortage of feed/drinker space
- Stop buying gilts in
Do
- Keep the culling rate up to maintain an efficient herd
- Consider reducing slaughter weight to reduce cost of production through enhanced feed conversion ratio
- Speak to your nutritionist to ensure optimal diet specifications and feeding strategies
- Consider bulk buying feed to reduce load costs
- Consider feeding co-products BUT speak to a nutritionist first
- Look for wastage areas - are hoppers/feeders set correctly to reduce feed loss through the slats
- Check feed storage - are bags being left where rodents can access it?
- Clean feed bins to avoid mould and the feed becoming unusable
- Use our simple feed cost calculator and guide
