Summary
Feed is the biggest cost in raising pigs, so finding ways to use it more efficiently is a top priority. Researchers studied over 14,900 Canadian Duroc pigs to compare different ways of measuring feed efficiency and understand how these traits are linked to growth and feeding behaviour.
The results are clear: selecting pigs based on Residual Feed Intake (RFI) — a measure of how much extra feed a pig eats beyond what's needed to grow — is a better tool than the traditional Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). Improving FCR can unintentionally push pigs to gain more fat or reduce daily gains. RFI avoids these trade-offs.
Breeding programs that target low-RFI animals can lower your feed costs while keeping growth and meat quality on track.