Setting pig performance targets
Gerard McCutcheon of the Teagasc Pig Development Department discusses how maintaining accurate farm records helps assess performance, set realistic targets and drive improvement.
The use of records is a management tool to assess current performance and to focus on areas that require improvement. Over the years, performance has greatly increased on Irish farms.
In 2024, the average number of pigs produced per sow was 27.8. This compares to 21.6 pigs per sow in 2000. The average daily gain (ADG) from weaning to sale in 2024 was 787 g/day, with a feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of 2.37. The figures in 2000 were an average ADG of 585 g/day and an FCE of 2.34 (with a much lighter sale weight of 90.1 kg liveweight).
Since 2013, the sow targets allowed a selection of any figure from 22 to 32 pigs produced per sow per year on the Teagasc Profit Monitor recording system. These targets have now been updated in 2025 to 26–36 pigs produced per sow per year.
On the feed and growth side, we have updated the targets as below, based on FCE first and then on ADG (g/day). These targets run from A to R, and it is important that you select a target that is achievable for your farm. See the targets below and choose one for your Profit Monitor report that is attainable.
Feed and growth targets
Target: A–E
| Target | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCE weaning–sale | 2.55 | 2.55 | 2.55 | 2.55 | 2.55 |
| ADG weaning–sale (g/day) | 700 | 750 | 800 | 850 | 900 |
Target: F–J
| Target | F | G | H | I | J |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCE weaning–sale | 2.45 | 2.45 | 2.45 | 2.45 | 2.45 |
| ADG weaning–sale (g/day) | 700 | 750 | 800 | 850 | 900 |
Target: K–O
| Target | K | L | M | N | O |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCE weaning–sale | 2.35 | 2.35 | 2.35 | 2.35 | 2.35 |
| ADG weaning–sale (g/day) | 700 | 750 | 800 | 850 | 900 |
Target: P–R
| Target | P | Q | R |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCE weaning–sale | 2.22 | 2.22 | 2.22 |
| ADG weaning–sale (g/day) | 881 | 902 | 918 |
It is easy to become complacent, but the aim must be to always do our best. This involves adapting to new challenges. How well do your production figures compare, and what targets are suitable for your farm?