Severe tail lesions in finisher pigs are associated with reduction in annual profit in farrow‐to‐finish pig farms

Abstract Objectives : We investigated the financial impact of different prevalence levels severe tail lesions (STL) during finisher stage associated with changes in average daily gain (ADG) farrow‐to‐finish pig farms. Methods Prevalence STL was estimated for 31 Regression tree analysis used to identify a threshold differences ADG. Then, carried using Teagasc Pig Production model. Results A ≥0.86% 4.8% decrease ADG which translated into pigs requiring 7 days more reach target slaughter weight than farms below threshold. Reduced meant that higher 3.6% weaner and 1.4% feed per year increasing costs by 1.5%. This reduced mean annual farm profit 15.1% STL. Conclusions Our results provide an indication effects intensive production systems. The identified could tangible farmers focus on developing strategies reduce allow complete cost benefit controlling