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Feed Prices

Practical Advice » Producer Kt » Feed Prices »

Feed prices have been very high since the autumn of 2006. The indications are that this is more than a temporary blip and that feed prices in the future are likely to remain relatively firm.

Below are a number of documents which you may find useful, they look at strategies producers can adopt to minimise the negative impacts of high feed costs and practical measures that can be taken to improve on-farm and feed efficiency.

	Feed Prices and the UK Pig Industry
	BPEX Pig Feed Report
	Improving Efficiency On Farm: Environment, Feed, Management & Useful Contacts
	Improving Feed Efficiency: On Farm Checks
	Feed and Straw Management to Reduce the Risk of Mycotoxins - Action For Productivity
	Alternative Feeds For Pigs - Knowing The Risks
	A Handbook of Raw Materials and Recommendations For Feeding Practice - Although this handbook is aimed at organic systems, it contains a useful compendium of feedstuffs applicable to both organic and non-organic production.
	Feeding Herd Calculator( You will need flash player to view this)
	Feeding Herd Calculator (Excel File) With increasing feed costs, producers have been asking whether a reduction in slaughter weight, for those finishing at the higher end, may limit some of the very high losses in current net margins. As feed conversion deteriorates progressively with increasing slaughter weight, the feed cost of producing those extra kilogrammes may be greater than the potential 'savings' of spreading the other costs over a heavier carcase weight resulting in higher net margins losses.The Feeding Herd Calculator was developed by BPEX to allow producers to estimate the effects of their feed costs and other costs, slaughter weight and sale value on net margins. Producers can change the FCR appropriate to their system. P2 values are calculated as average for the industry at any given slaughter weight. Adjustments in FCR should accommodate the effects of P2 on feed usage per kg gain.It is important that the Calculator is not used in isolation to make business decisions as it only provides an indication of potential outcomes. Producers should consult their individual circumstances with their commercial feed representatives and other advisers taking into account slaughter contracts and requirements. The BPEX KT Team would be pleased to provide any assistance.
	Breeding Herd Calculator ( You will need flash player to view this)
	Breeding Herd Calculator (Excel File) The Breeding Herd Calculator has been developed by BPEX to complement the Feeding Herd Calculator. This new calculator allows producers to estimate the effects of changes in sow productivity, feed and other costs on the net margin per weaner pig sold on for growing and finishing. At times of high feed costs the calculator is a valuable tool, which can be used to estimate savings in financial losses through improved sow productivity and reduced costs.As with the Feeding Herd Calculator it is important that the Breeding Herd Calculator is not used in isolation to make business decisions as it only provides an indication of potential outcomes. Producers should consult their individual circumstances with their commercial feed representatives and advisers taking into account market and other conditions. The BPEX KT Team would be pleased to provide any assistance.