A critical issue for pork farmers is variability as it has been estimated to cost $3.41 per pig at market due to sort losses and an extra $1.25 per pig sold due to reduced barn utilization. Pre-planned segregation (PPS) is an option for managing variability. The total population of pigs is separated into sub-groups that are expected to have performance differences which may improve barn utilization. Groups were based on weight at weaning. The entire group at day 50 had variability that was not affected by segregation. It is expected that PPS could improve overall barn utilization as the rooms with heavier pigs should turn over more quickly.
Pre-Planned Segregation – The Effect of Grouping by Weight at Weaning on Variability in Body Weight at Nursery Exit (full article)
