Pig Rate of Gain Calculator
Track your swine growth performance (ADG & Feed Conversion)
Total Weight Gain:
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Average Daily Gain (ADG):
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Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR):
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Understanding Pig Rate of Gain
In the swine industry, the Average Daily Gain (ADG) is one of the most critical metrics for measuring production efficiency. It represents the number of pounds a pig gains per day over a specific period. Monitoring ADG allows producers to identify health issues early, evaluate the quality of their nutrition program, and project when pigs will be ready for market.
A higher ADG typically means pigs spend fewer days in the barn, which reduces overhead costs and increases "turns" per year in a facility. However, speed is only one part of the equation; efficiency is equally important.
How to Calculate ADG and FCR
To use this calculator or perform the math manually, you need three key data points:
- Total Gain: Subtract the starting weight from the ending weight.
- Average Daily Gain (ADG): Divide the Total Gain by the number of days in the feeding period. (Example: 200 lbs gain / 100 days = 2.0 lbs/day).
- Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): Divide the total weight of feed consumed by the total weight gained. A lower number indicates better efficiency (less feed used per pound of meat).
Realistic Benchmarks for Swine Growth
Growth rates vary significantly depending on the stage of life:
- Nursery Stage (15-50 lbs): Expect an ADG of 0.8 to 1.0 lbs per day.
- Grower/Finisher (50-280 lbs): Market pigs usually average between 1.7 and 2.2 lbs per day.
- Feed Conversion: Modern commercial genetics often achieve an FCR between 2.4 and 2.9 in the finishing stage.
Factors That Influence Rate of Gain
If your ADG is lower than expected, consider these four primary factors:
- Genetics: Some breeds are designed for lean growth speed (like Duroc or Pietrain crosses), while others prioritize fat deposition or maternal traits.
- Environment: Pigs are sensitive to temperature. If it's too hot, they stop eating. If it's too cold, they burn calories to stay warm rather than growing.
- Health Status: Respiratory issues or parasites are the #1 cause of "stalls" in growth.
- Nutrient Density: The balance of Lysine (amino acids) and energy in the diet must match the pig's biological potential.