Manure disposal costs are currently high and unpredictable. Striving for lower manure sales is now interesting for every pig farmer. Not only the number of cubic meters of manure is important, but also the phosphate content, because of the possible surcharge for kilos of phosphate above 3 kilos per cubic meter. Both manure production and the phosphate content of the manure can be controlled through the pigs’ diet.
To ensure that the performance of the pigs does not suffer and feed costs do not rise too high, Fransen Gerrits uses its own Meat Pig Information Model (VIM). This predicts what the feed conversion and growth will be based on the feed composition and feed curve.
The VIM shows which feed costs are involved and calculates the manure disposal costs. By changing the feed choice, the pig farmer can see what consequences this has for growth, feed conversion and manure production.
An example calculation from a company with five thousand fattening pig places that opts for a feeding line with more concentrated feed (with a lower P content) aimed at a lower feed conversion makes it clear. For the same performance, 5 percent less feed is needed in the starting and intermediate phases and almost 8 percent of the final feed. The phosphorus levels in the feed are also 6 to 10 percent lower.
