Swine performance model for summer conditions

The Missouri model was developed using swine performance data from three-way cross hogs fed a ration closely approximating National Research Council (1973) recommendations raised in confinement facilities at the Northeast Nebraska Experiment Station. The Missouri model was validated using independent data collected during the summers of 1977 and 1978 at the University of Missouri Swine Research Center. Weight gain predictions averaged 93 and 92% of measured gains and feed intake predictions were 112 and 107% of the measured feed consumption. These predictions were 45 and 61% better than those from the original model of Teter et al. (1973). To the extent that the Missouri and Nebraska swine data are representative of growing swine performance in typical commercial confinement facilities the Missouri model can be expected to predict average hog weight gain and feed consumption within 10% of actual performance in most well managed commercial confinement facilities during moderate and hot weather conditions. Weight gain and feed intake predictions can be expected to be accurate to within 15% for shorter term (2 week) predictions.The work described in this paper was performed while the principle author was at the University of Missouri, Columbia.