The number of pigs per litter reached another record in September, writes Michael Langemeier. Using his metrics, it appears we’ll soon see an average of 12 pigs per litter compared to eight per litter in 1994. Key performance metrics for swine production have steadily improved over the past 30 years. In addition to pigs per litter, performance metrics include feed conversion, litters per sow per year and pounds of pork produced per sow per year.
Source: PORK, November 4, 2024. Link. Improvements in production performance are critical to controlling production costs and for the industry to remain competitive compared to swine producers in other countries and competing meats.