Feed conversion efficiency checklist
|
Factors |
Important
Criteria |
Methods of
Improvement |
|
Genetics |
Select from a health compatible source |
Replace with genetically improved stock. |
|
Sex |
Males / females / castrates. |
Split Sexes. Do not castrate. |
|
Age |
Reduce days to slaughter. |
Feed Levels. |
|
Feed efficiency: 1.1 to 1 at 4 weeks. |
Feed quality. Maximise growth rate. |
|
|
1.5 to 1 at 8 weeks. |
Good housing |
|
|
3 to 1 at 24 weeks. |
Good health. |
|
|
Feeding methods |
Ad lib/ waste. |
Prevent waste. |
|
Wet feed is better than dry. |
Change dry to wet feed. |
|
|
Pellets are better than meal. |
Change meal to pellets or to wet feed. |
|
|
Trough feeding gives better FCE than floor feeding. |
||
|
Amount fed |
Check waste / carcase quality and growth. |
Better management. |
|
Feed composition |
Protein. Lysine. Energy. Growth Promoters. Quality. |
Assess ration types according to genotype, environment and growth. Monitor ration quality. |
|
The environment |
Too hot or cold. Too draughty or high gas levels. Too dry or too wet. |
Temperature Ventilation Humidity |
|
Levels of disease |
Health control. Vaccination. SEW, SDC. |
Veterinary and other advice. Management and housing control. Disease prevention. |
|
Management efficiency |
Attention to detail. Education of people. Maintenance of buildings. Purchasing good feeds. |
Consider your own management |