ANR-672, Revised May 1994. By W. F. Owsley, Extension Animal Scientist, Associate Professor; J. G. Floyd, Jr., Extension Veterinarian, Associate Professor; R. E. Blaylock, Extension Animal Scientist, Assistant Professor; and N. J. Van Dyke, Extension Animal Scientist, Associate Professor, all in Animal and Dairy Sciences, Auburn University.

Feeding and Managing Growing-Finishing Hogs

The goal of any swine operation should be efficient production of pork. Profitability for the producer who is feeding purchased feeder pigs depends totally on the cost of getting a pig from 40 pounds to market weight. While farrow-to-finish operations have other costs, the growing-finishing period still accounts for more than 60 to 70 percent of cash costs. Whether feeding purchased feeder pigs or pigs raised on the farm, the profits or losses depend on the cost of production and market price. Proper nutrition, adequate housing, and good health and marketing programs will improve the chances for profits on these operations.

Summary

Getting hogs to market weight takes time, care, and management skill if it is to be done economically and efficiently. With today's markets, producers must make the best possible use of available tools. Providing adequate nutrition and housing while maintaining a good health and marketing plan will result in best chances to show a profit.

For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find the number.