Performance-enhancing technologies in swine production

Abstract

• Market pigs require 4% less feed today to produce a 17% heavier carcass than they did 25 yr ago. • Animal pharmaceuticals like ractopamine, immunocastration products, and porcine somatotropin are commonly thought of as performance-enhancing technologies; other technological changes that now encompass "modern swine production" are perhaps even more critical. • Advancements in record-keeping, benchmarking, refinements in nutrient requirements, biosecurity, and increased sizes of meat-processing facilities have also contributed to increased productivity.