We cannot afford to waste feed on pig farms

In a time of record feed prices it is essential that feed wastage be minimised. It is estimated that 10% of feed delivered is wasted on the average farm (AHDB, n.d.). Feed wastage can be considered in two major components — mechanical and biological. Feed is often wasted from the point of delivery to the passage of faeces.

This article details some of the areas where this wastage occurs at the farm level and focuses on simple management practices that veterinarians can discuss with their clients to reduce these losses. Reducing feed wastage by half would make the difference between profit and loss on many farms. With health costs being about 5% of total costs, the wasted feed could account for twice the health costs. Halving feed costs means health costs are ‘free’!

Avoid unnecessary waste while cleaning feed bins. Leaving spilt feed under the bin encourages rodents and vermin to the farm, which then consume feed (Figure 1). Routinely and regularly check the outside, the inside of feed bins and their associated pipe-work and augers.