Application of pig growth models in commercial pork production

Abstract

Pig growth models can be useful tools for identifying optimum management strategies for individual grower-finisher pig units, by integrating knowledge of nutrient utilization for growth and animal-environment interactions into one system. In addition, these models can be used to demonstrate basic principles of nutrient utilization for growth in the pig, to examine "what-if" scenarios, to aid in the development of pig breeding programs and to develop effective research programs. Models used in commercial pork production should represent the biology of growth in the pig and should be flexible, so that they can be focused easily on the needs and special conditions pertaining to particular growing-finishing pig units. For proper application of pig growth models in practice, pig units should be characterized reasonably accurately. This applies in particular to the upper limit to body protein deposition that pigs can achieve under practical conditions, feed intake at various stages of growth and the alternative feeding strategies that can be considered. Some illustrative examples of the commercial application of a pig growth model under Canadian conditions are provided.