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This tool to troubleshoot problems with the feed conversion ratio (FCR) is designed to detect all the causes that can increase the FCR of our farm. At the end of the article you will find a flow chart that will allow you to navigate through the whole tool.
So far we have divided the causes that affect the FCR into two main groups, those that increase mortality and those that do not. In turn, we have divided those that increase mortality into those that do not affect average daily gain (ADG) and those that do. The causes that alter the FCR, mortality, and ADG are as follows:
Infections. Any infectious process that causes mortality can affect both feed conversion and average daily gain, with digestive problems being the most harmful due to their effect on intestinal integrity. Diarrhea due to E.coli at the beginning of finishing, PRRS, PCV2, polyserositis, hemorrhagic dysentery, salmonellosis, App, etc.
Photo 1. Slowed growth in piglets affected by dysentery.
Gastric ulcers. Acute gastric ulcers can cause mortality and chronic gastric ulcers will particularly affect voluntary feed intake, reducing it and subsequently affecting growth and feed conversion.
Photo 2. The initial phase of a gastric ulcer.
Accidents with mortalities, especially when they occur in the first half of finishing.
Use the flowchart to continue the investigation or to access other parts of the tool.
