Loss of revenue at market and reduced barn utilization can be attributed largely to variation. Variation has two major categories: genetic and environmental. Environmental effects may be exposure to pathogens, access to resources such as water and food, as well as behavioural challenges. Some approaches to reducing variation include separating gilts and barrows as barrows often eat more feed and are therefore larger or separating based on size at weaning.
Variation in Pig Performance – Can We Do Anything About It (full article)
