Every pig farmer wants bigger pigs. It's easy to believe that the longer you keep feeding a pig, the more profit you'll make. But what if there comes a point where every extra kilogram costs more to produce than the one before it?

In this episode of Reading the Pig, we'll explore Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) β€” what it means, why it matters, and how it can help you decide the best time to sell your pigs.

🌽 What Is Feed Conversion Ratio?

Feed Conversion Ratio measures how efficiently a pig converts feed into body weight.

FCR = Kilograms of Feed Γ· Kilograms of Weight Gain
The lower the FCR, the more efficient the pig
πŸ’‘ Key Insight: Efficient pigs turn feed into profit.

πŸ“ˆ Young Pigs Grow Efficiently

As pigs grow from weaning into the grower stage, they convert feed into muscle very efficiently. Every kilogram of feed produces significant weight gain. This is the period where your investment gives the highest return.

πŸ’‘ Key Insight: Young pigs are your best feed converters.

⚠️ Bigger Pigs Eat More

As pigs approach market weight, their appetite increases. However, growth begins to slow. This means they require more feed to gain each additional kilogram β€” you're spending more, but getting less in return.

πŸ’‘ Key Insight: Bigger pigs are not always more profitable.
Chart showing feed conversion ratio increasing with pig age
Figure 2.1: Feed Conversion Ratio Rises as Pigs Approach Market Weight

πŸ’° Where Profit Begins to Decline

Many commercial farmers target 90–100 kg because this is often where profit is highest. Keeping pigs beyond this point may only be worthwhile if:

  • The market pays more for heavier pigs.
  • Feed is affordable.
  • You're producing breeding stock.
πŸ’‘ Key Insight: Sell for profit β€” not just for weight.

🚫 Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Keeping pigs because they "still look small."
  • ❌ Ignoring feed costs.
  • ❌ Waiting for a better price without calculating expenses.
  • ❌ Measuring success by size instead of profitability.
πŸ’‘ Key Insight: Every extra day has a cost.

πŸ“Š Read the Numbers

Successful farmers monitor more than weight. They monitor:

  • Feed consumed.
  • Growth rate.
  • Feed costs.
  • Market prices.

Good records lead to better decisions.

πŸ’‘ Key Insight: What gets measured gets managed.
πŸ’‘ Fratel Farm Insight: The goal of pig farming isn't to produce the heaviest pig. The goal is to produce the most profitable pig. Understanding feed conversion helps you know when to keep feeding β€” and when it's time to sell.

🎬 Conclusion

A pig doesn't become profitable simply because it weighs more. Profit comes from balancing feed costs, growth rate, and market value. The best pig farmers don't just feed their animals β€” they understand the economics behind every kilogram gained.

At Fratel Farm Agribusiness, we help farmers make data-driven decisions that improve productivity and profitability.

"A kilogram gained cheaply is worth more than a kilogram gained expensively."

or

"Don't measure success by the weight of your pig β€” measure it by the profit in your pocket."

Coming Up Β· Episode 3

🏠 The Hidden Cost of Poor Housing

How your piggery affects growth, health, and profit.