Impact of health challenges on pig growth performance, carcass characteristics, and net returns under commercial conditions.

Understanding how disease affects commercial production is imperative for pig producers to quantify its full impact on pig performance, carcass quality, and net returns. The objective of this experiment was to assess the productivity and economic importance of naturally occurring health challenges (HC) under commercial conditions. Three 1,000 pig grow-finish facilities received 936 pigs each. The experimental period started approximately 34 d post placement at an average start BW of 13.1 ± 0.2 kg. Barns were characterized based on the relative HC, determined by diagnostic assessments as the main characterization tool, along with other health indicators. Barns were characterized as low challenge health (LCh), moderate challenge health (MCh), and high challenge health (HCh). All barns tested positive for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection prior to the start of the experiment. Additionally, the MCh and HCh barns experienced influenza type A virus of swine. Similar to commercial production conditions, the disease challenge was not imposed but rather occurred naturally. Reduced ADG, ADFI, and G:F were observed with an increased HC (P < 0.001). Similarly, mortality was increased when the HC increased (P < 0.001). Decreased ADG increased days to achieve harvest BW, by 10 and 15 d in the MCh and HCh treatments compared with LCh, respectively (P < 0.001). No differences were observed for percent lean, loin depth, or fat depth (P > 0.10). The economic impact of the HC was assessed by applying these growth performance data to two economic models encompassing the two main marketing methods used by U.S. pig producers: fixed-weight and fixed-time. Financial losses attributed to the variation in disease severity that occurred in the present study ranged from $8.49 and $26.10 U.S. dollars (USD)/pig marketed using a fixed-market weight model, or between $11.02 and $29.82 USD/pig using a fixed-time model, depending on feed costs and market hog prices. In conclusion, increasing severity of HC under commercial conditions reduced ADG by 8% and 14% and resulted in mortality as high as 19.9%. Losses of $8.49 to $29.82/pig marketed underscore the potential magnitude of the economic impact of mixed etiology concurrent diseases in pork production.

INTRODUCTION

In 2016, 63% of U.S. market hog sales originated in Iowa and the surrounding six states (USDA, 2017). While Midwest swine production is in a unique position of being favorably located geographically, such density increases the risk of disease transmission among farms.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the costliest disease facing pig producers. Holtkamp et al. (2013) estimated annual losses of 664 million U.S. dollar (USD) due to PRRSV. While there are no published data on the costs attributed to influenza type A virus of swine (IAV-S), it is also considered economically important due to reduced growth rates and increased morbidity. A co-challenge of PRRSV with IAV-S or other pathogens can be more costly due to the compounding of disease symptoms (Zimmerman et al., 2012).

Most disease research is performed in controlled research facilities with attention directed at a single pathogen in order to elucidate the infection mechanism and better understand biological responses (Che et al., 2015; Rochell et al., 2015). Fully understanding the ways disease impacts commercial production is imperative to quantify the influence of disease on pig performance and net financial returns. Studies conducted in a research facility have the advantage of being well controlled but the disadvantage of uncertain relevance to practical conditions; conversely, studies carried out on commercial farms enhance relevance but maintaining proper controls can be difficult. The ideal situation would be an intensive, well-managed study carried out in a commercial research facility which requires attention to detail, adherence to accepted standards of scientific endeavor, and a great deal of on-site labor.

The objective of this experiment was to assess the relative impact of naturally occurring health challenges (HC) under commercial conditions on productivity and financial returns, hypothesizing that a more severe HC would decrease productivity and reduce net income.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All experimental procedures adhered to guidelines for the ethical and humane use of animals for research and were approved by the Iowa State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (number 15-I-0009-A).

Animals, Housing, and Management

Three 1,000 head grow-finish barns located on the same geographical site in Iowa were each populated with 936 crossbred pigs (Cambrough female [PIC 1050] × DNA600 terminal sire); pigs were received from two different sow sources, although both were identical in genetic origin.

The three barns were identical in design, management, and operation and pigs received identical diets during the experiment. Each barn contained 46 pens (16.8 m2), with completely slatted concrete floors, metal pen dividers and gates, two nipple water drinkers, and one, 5-space stainless-steel dry feeder. Feed was delivered by an automatic system that delivered specific amounts of feed to specific pens (Feedlogic Corporation, Willmar, MN). Each barn was equipped with identical integrated ventilation controllers (Expert control, VPN 110, Automated Production Systems, Assumption, IL), which regulated exhaust fans, air inlets, and heaters. This system maintained a stable interior thermal environment based on a temperature curve.

Thirty-six of the 46 pens were filled with 26 weaned pigs each at the time of allotment. At placement, pigs were allotted by sex (16 barrow pens, 16 gilt pens, and 4 mixed-sex pens) and size. Based on visual assessment, each pen received 6 “small size,” 14 “medium size,” and 6 “large size” pigs. This procedure helped to ensure a similar BW distribution among pens within each barn. Pigs were placed on-site at weaning, but this study did not start until approximately 34 d post weaning (13.1 ± 0.2 kg of BW). Pigs remained on test until achieving marketing BW of approximately 130.5 ± 1.4 kg.

All barns were placed on the same feeding program consisting of eight dietary phases, all manufactured at the same feed mill (Mid State Milling, State Center, IA). Pigs were provided ad libitum access to feed and water. All pigs were cared for and managed according to the Iowa Select Farms Select Care program procedures by the same personnel and same veterinary services throughout the course of this study.

Experimental Design

Each of the three barns were characterized according to the overall observed HC. The HC was considered the applied treatment. Oral fluids were collected on days 7, 63, and 105 to monitor pathogen exposure. Mortality, morbidity, and medication treatments were recorded daily to further assist in characterizing the HC within each barn. Daily animal observations aided in ensuring all animals received appropriate care. Based on this approach to characterize the HC, barns were characterized relative to each other as low challenge health (LCh), moderate challenge health (MCh), and high challenge health (HCh). The disease challenges experienced by the barns were not imposed but rather occurred naturally, similar to what occurs in commercial production. The goal was to maintain a separate HC in each barn for the duration of the experiment.

Biosecurity

A strict biosecurity protocol was established to avoid pathogen transfer among barns, as barns were in close proximity to one another; barns were separated by only 15.2 m. Personnel were required to shower upon arrival at the farm. Personnel movement was strictly limited to LCh followed by MCh followed by HCh. Boot washes with Virocid disinfectant (CID Lines, Belgium) were used upon entering and exiting each barn. Tyvex suits (Uline, Pleasant Prairie, WI) were placed over coveralls and boots changed prior to entrance into each barn. No re-entry into any barn was permitted within the same day unless the individual re-showered and put on clean coveralls. All tools remained in each assigned barn, unless necessary for use in another barn, in which case they were disinfected before and after use.

Data Collection

Pen BW (Pen scale – scale head, Chore-Time 100, Milford, IN; load cells, Tru Test MP 800, Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand) and feed disappearance were determined at the start and end of the study, and used to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Additionally, pigs in the HCh and LCh barns were individually tagged and weighed (Way Pig – Portable Litter Scale, mechanical, Raytec Manufacturing, Ephrata, PA; Individual pig scale – scale head, Digi-Star stockweight 600, Fort Atkinson, WI; load cells) to assess BW variation at the start of the experiment and at the start of the marketing phase, i.e., at the first cut. Date and BW were recorded for any pigs removed from the study due to illness, injury, or death. All pigs that started the experiment were accounted for as 1) pigs removed from the study due to morbidity, 2) mortality, 3) full-value market pigs (pigs sent to a primary market), or 4) light-cull pigs (lights or cull pigs sent to a secondary market).

Pigs were marketed in three separate groups based on BW to achieve a targeted harvest weight of 130 kg. Prior to marketing, all pigs were weighed individually and received slap tattoos on both hams identifying them according to barn and pen. Hot carcass weight, percent lean, percent yield, back-fat depth, and loin depth were collected at the harvest facilities (JBS, Marshalltown, IA). Research personnel attended the harvest to confirm data accuracy.

Oral fluid samples were collected from six randomly selected pens within each barn on days 7, 63, and 105 to assess the HC over the duration of the experiment. In a method described by Prickett et al. (2008), oral fluid samples were collected by hanging a cotton rope in the pen for approximately 30 min. Prior to contact with ropes, new gloves were worn to ensure samples were not contaminated. Oral fluid was harvested from the rope by placing the wet end of the rope into a new plastic bag, wringing out the rope, and then transferring the oral fluid to a centrifuge tube. Oral fluid was transported on ice, centrifuged for 10 min at 1,000 rpm and frozen at −80 °C. Samples were analyzed by PCR for PRRSV and IAV-S at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory (Ames, IA).

Calculations

Market BW was the average BW of the pigs marketed within a pen, while final BW was the average BW of all pigs at the end of the experiment including marketed pigs and light-cull pigs.

Carcass ADG was calculated as ([final BW × yield] – [start BW × yield]) ÷ pig days. The observed average yield of 73% at harvest was also applied to the start weight. Carcass G:F was calculated as carcass ADG ÷ ADFI.

Economic Analysis

Growth performance, pig fate, and carcass data obtained from this experiment were applied to a modeled 2,400 pig grow-finish pig barn, which is a typical of the U.S. pork industry. Start BW, days on feed, days to market, ADFI, mortality, percentage of market pigs sold, percentage of light-cull pigs sold, and carcass yield were utilized in the economic model. For the purposes of the economic analysis, ADG for only full-value market pigs was used. Start BW was standardized to 13.1 kg for both economic models. In the fixed-time model, carcass yield was standardized at 73%.

Similar to other published reports on the economic impact of swine diseases, a swine-enterprise budgeting model was developed to specify the mathematical relationships between production inputs and outputs, as well as costs and revenues associated with swine production (Holtkamp et al., 2013; Schulz and Tonsor, 2015). Two grow-finish models were employed: 1) assuming pigs are marketed at a fixed BW of 130 kg and referred to as the fixed-weight model and 2) assuming pigs are harvested after a fixed time of 133 d in the barn, referred to as the fixed-time model. Both models exist in commercial practice. Within each model, returns were calculated on a per pig sold and per pig placed basis.

The economic analysis was conducted and reported in USD in all instances. Production costs were obtained from data compiled by Meta Farms (MetaFarms, Burnsville, MN), USDA-AMS, and Iowa State University (Ames, IA) in 2015 (Table 1). The price per feeder pig was calculated by using the composite weighted average price (formula and cash) of an 18 kg feeder pig from the National Direct Delivered Feeder Pig Report NW_LS255. The feeder pig price ($55.51 per pig) was based on an average of weekly prices reported during 2015 (USDA-AMS, 2017a). However, the feeder pigs in this study were lighter at 13 kg. In order to appropriately apply a feeder pig price, a linear relationship was used between price and weight. The feeder pig price used in this model was $41.63 per pig. Feed costs were applied based on the feed budget assigned per feeding phase. Major ingredient prices were calculated from the North Central Iowa corn prices report NW_GR110, Iowa DDGS report NW_GR111, and Iowa SBM report NW_GR116 (USDA-AMS, 2017b, c, d). Other ingredient prices were obtained from Meta Farms. Based on a weighted average of ingredient prices, diet costs across phases were calculated to be $201.67/t. Transportation costs were obtained from the Iowa State University Ag Decision Maker website ($3.90/loaded mile, semi-trailer; Plastina and Johanns, 2015). Assuming a semi-trailer capacity of 500 feeder pigs, and transportation distance of 25 miles, the cost of transportation for feeder pigs used in this model is $0.195 per pig placed. Assuming truck capacity of 130 market pigs and a distance to market of 50 miles, the cost of transportation for market pigs used in this model was $1.50 per market pig. A base price for veterinary costs ($5.00/pig placed) was obtained from Meta Farms and was applied to the LCh barn. The MCh and HCh barns incurred additional veterinary costs of $2.37 and $2.02/pig sold, respectively. These added costs were due to the increased number of pig treatments in these barns and the medications used related to different clinical symptoms. An assumed yardage cost ($0.115/pig space/d) was obtained from Meta Farms. Yardage costs can be a major component of the total costs of pork production, and vary significantly from one producer to the next. Yardage is broadly defined as overhead costs, and incorporates non-feed costs that are not associated with hog ownership. Yardage calculations will vary and costs included differ; nonetheless, the assumed yardage cost used in this model included fuel, operating interest, machinery, labor and building depreciation, taxes, and insurance. The secondary market price of lightweight and cull pigs ($78.74/pig) was obtained from Meta Farms. The primary market hog price was calculated by using the average of the monthly negotiated Iowa/Minnesota Daily Direct Prior Day Hog Report LM_HG 204 (plant delivered) prices for 2015 ($1.48/kg carcass weight; USDA-AMS, 2017e).

Table 1.

Parameter values used to determine revenues and expenses in a study estimating the economic impact of an increased HC in grow-finish pigs raised under commercial conditions1

Parameter	Value7
Expenses
Feed cost2 ($/t)	201.67
Feeder pig costs3 ($/pig placed)	41.63
Veterinary costs2,4 ($/pig placed)	5.00
Placement transportation costs5 ($/pig placed)	0.195
Market transportation costs5 ($/pig marketed)	1.50
Yardage cost2 ($/pig space/d)	0.115
Revenue
Full-value pigs6 ($/kg CW)	1.48
Secondary market pigs2 ($/head)	73.29

CW = carcass weight.

1Three 1,000 pig grow-finish facilities, located on the same production site in Iowa, were each populated with 936 crossbred pigs (Cambrough female [PIC 1050] × DNA600 terminal sire); this study did not start until approximately 34 d post weaning (13.1 ± 0.2 kg of BW). Pigs remained on test until achieving marketing BW (130.5 ± 1.4 kg).

2North Central Iowa corn prices report NW_GR110, Iowa DDGS report NW_GR111, and Iowa SBM report NW_GR116 (USDA-AMS, 2017b, c, d).

3Feeder pig national report LM_LS255 (USDA-AMS, 2017a).

4Added costs associated with increased HC were $2.37 and $2.02 per pig sold for MCh and HCh, respectively.

5Iowa State Ag decision maker (Plastina and Johanns, 2015).

6Iowa/Minnesota Daily Direct Prior Day Hog Report LM_HG 204 (USDA-AMS, 2017e).

7All currency in USD.

Total revenue was calculated based on income generated by marketing pigs to both a primary market and secondary market for light-cull pigs. Profit was determined after total costs were subtracted from total revenue and reported for the entire barn on a per pig marketed and per pig placed basis. These values were compared across treatment to estimate losses due to a HC, relative to the LCh treatment.

The sensitivity of these results to changes in the price of feeder pigs, market hogs (both full-value and lightweight culls), and feed costs was also explored to provide some appreciation for the extent to which prices and costs impact the magnitude of production losses and decreased productivity on net returns. In addition to the baseline models, alternative scenarios were created by increasing or decreasing feeder pig and market hog prices and feed costs by 20% while holding all other variables constant.

Statistical Analysis

PROC UNIVARIATE (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC) was used to determine equality of variances and to remove outliers, which were defined as observations beyond 3 SDs of the mean. Pig growth and carcass data were analyzed using MIXED model methods (SAS Inst., Inc.) with pen as the experimental unit, HC and sex as fixed effects, and start BW as linear covariate. Pig fate data were analyzed using the binary distribution in GLIMMIX model methods (SAS Inst., Inc.) with pen as the experimental unit, HC and sex as fixed effects, and start BW as a linear covariate. PRRSV genomic copies in oral fluid samples were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit, HC as the fixed effect, and day as the repeated measure. Statistical significance was determined at P ≤0.05 and trends considered when 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10.

Pen within barn was used as the experimental unit, with HC being the observed treatment (n = 36). The authors recognize that in most animal science research, the barn would be considered the experimental unit. However, it is not possible to replicate a disease treatment across multiple barns; as demonstrated in this study, health status within a barn can change over time, making replication improbable. However, great care was taken to ensure that any potential differences among the barns other than disease were minimized; as previously explained, the three barns were identical in design and construction, were all managed by the same person, were of the same genetic origin and received the same dietary regime. All three barns were located on the same site to eliminate the chance of differences in weather affecting outcomes. On this basis, it was concluded that the pen within the barn can be considered the experimental unit, although the chance of other factors besides HC affecting performance cannot be completed precluded. This experimental design is similar to other health or disease research published previously including but not limited to Schweer et al. (2016a, b), Rochell et al. (2015), and Che et al. (2015).

RESULTS

Characterization of the HC

All barns showed clinical PRRSV symptoms including lethargy, mortality, and reductions in gain. Oral fluid PCR evaluation revealed that they had all experienced a PRRSV infection (Table 2). The HCh treatment had the greatest oral fluid PRRSV genomic copy concentration at days 7 and 63; however, at day 105, the MCh had the greatest concentration (Figure 1). The HCh treatment was suspected of being infected with a secondary PRRSV strain, based on diagnostic testing results. However, due to the virus’s ability to mutate quickly, it is uncertain whether a second PRRSV detection was a mutation or a second lateral virus introduction into the environment from a different source. Oral fluid PCR results showed that the MCh treatment contracted IAV-S (H1N2) by day 7 and both HCh and MCh treatments were diagnosed with IAV-S (H1N1) on day 63. Additionally, clinical symptoms of IAV-S were observed in the HCh and MCh treatments including anorexia, lethargy, labored breathing, and coughing. As HC increased, the number of treatments with injectable medications were elevated (1,108, 2,335, and 3,415 in the LCh, MCh, and HCh treatment, respectively).

Table 2.

Number of positive diagnostic evaluations on oral fluid for PRRSV and IAV-S by PCR at days 7, 63, and 105 in grow-finish pigs raised under commercial conditions1

Item	LCh	MCh	HCh
PRRSV
Day 7	6/6	6/6	6/6
Day 63	6/6	6/6	6/6
Day 105	0/6	5/6	1/6
IAV-S
Day 7	0/6	5/6 H1N2	0/6
Day 63	0/6	6/6 H1N1	6/6 H1N1
Day 105	0/6	0/6	0/6

1Three 1,000 pig grow-finish facilities, located on the same production site in Iowa, were each populated with 936 crossbred pigs (Cambrough female [PIC 1050] × DNA600 terminal sire); this study did not start until approximately 34 d post weaning (13.1 ± 0.2 kg of BW). Pigs remained on test until achieving marketing BW (130.5 ± 1.4 kg).

Figure 1.

Oral fluid PRRSV concentration for three HC at days 7, 63, and 105 in grow-finish pigs raised under commercial conditions1. 1Three 1,000 pig grow-finish facilities, located on the same production site in Iowa, were each populated with 936 crossbred pigs (Cambrough female [PIC 1050] × DNA600 terminal sire); this study did not start until approximately 34 d post weaning (13.1 ± 0.2 kg of BW). Pigs remained on test until achieving marketing BW (130.5 ± 1.4 kg).

Increasing HC reduced the percentage of pigs sold as full-value pigs and also increased mortality (P < 0.001; Table 3). There was a trend for an increased percentage of pigs removed from the experiment due to illness and/or injury as HC increased (P = 0.079). A trend was also observed for the percentage of pigs sold as light culls to increase with increasing HC (P = 0.061).

Table 3.

The effect of three HC and sex on pig fate in grow-finish pigs raised under commercial conditions1

Item	HC2			Sex3			Pooled SEM	P value4
	LCh	MCh	HCh	Barrows	Mixed	Gilts		HC	Sex
No. pens	36	30	36	44	12	46
No. pigs	911	756	885	1095	304	1153
Full-value5, %	89.2a	80.5b	70.6c	80.1	83.4	80.2	2.6	<0.001	0.496
Light cull5, %	4.2	6.9	3.2	3.9	4.4	5.6	1.4	0.061	0.168
Mortality5, %	3.3a	7.7b	19.9c	10.1	6.4	8.3	1.9	<0.001	0.181
Morbidity5, %	3.1	5.0	6.5	5.0	4.6	4.4	1.4	0.079	0.836

a–c within a row, least square means lacking a common superscript differ, P <0.05.

1Three 1,000 pig grow-finish facilities, located on the same production site in Iowa, were each populated with 936 crossbred pigs (Cambrough female [PIC 1050] × DNA600 terminal sire); this study did not start until approximately 34 d post weaning (13.1 ± 0.2 kg of BW). Pigs remained on test until achieving marketing BW (130.5 ± 1.4 kg).

2Least square means of HC.

3Least square means of sex.

4Probability values for main effects of HC or sex.

5Average start body weight used as a covariate.

Effect of HC on Growth Performance

As the HC increased, ADG decreased; furthermore, ADFI and G:F were poorer in MCh and HCh compared to LCh (P < 0.001; Table 4). Starting and ending BW CV were greater in HCh compared with LCh (P < 0.001). Similar to whole body ADG, carcass ADG decreased as the HC increased in severity (P < 0.001). Much like whole body G:F, the carcass G:F was greatest in the LCh treatment but similar in the MCh and HCh treatments (P < 0.001).

Table 4.

The effect of three HC and sex on whole body and carcass based growth performance in grow-finish pigs raised under commercial conditions1

	HC2			Sex3			Pooled SEM	P value4
	LCh	MCh	HCh	Barrows	Mixed	Gilts		HC	Sex
Item
Start BW, kg	13.3	13.7	12.4	13.0	13.1	13.2	0.2	<0.001	0.186
Final BW5, kg	129.1	130.6	130.6	133.6z	130.5y	126.1x	1.4	0.354	<0.001
Start BW CV, %	21.0a	–	26.2b	23.7	23.6	23.6	1.0	<0.001	0.984
End BW CV, %	12.2a	–	15.5b	14.3	14.0	13.3	0.8	<0.001	0.328
ADG5, kg	0.86a	0.79b	0.74c	0.82z	0.80zy	0.77y	0.01	<0.001	<0.001
ADFI5, kg	2.05a	2.00a	1.83b	2.06z	1.95y	1.85x	0.03	<0.001	<0.001
G:F5	0.42a	0.40b	0.40b	0.40x	0.41y	0.42z	0.004	<0.001	<0.001
Carcass basis
ADG5, kg	0.61a	0.55b	0.50c	0.56z	0.56z	0.54y	0.01	<0.001	0.004
G:F5	0.30a	0.28b	0.28b	0.27y	0.29z	0.29z	0.004	<0.001	<0.001

a-c or z-x within a row, least square means lacking a common superscript differ, P <0.05.

1Three 1,000 pig grow -finish facilities, located on the same production site in Iowa, were each populated with 936 crossbred pigs (Cambrough female [PIC 1050] × DNA600 terminal sire); this study did not start until approximately 34 d post weaning (13.1 ± 0.2 kg of BW). Pigs remained on test until achieving marketing BW (130.5 ± 1.4 kg).

2Least square means of HC.

3Least square means of sex.

4Probability values for main effects of HC or sex.

5Average start body weight used as a covariate.

Barrows had greater final BW (P < 0.001; Table 4), ADG (P < 0.001), and ADFI (P < 0.001) when compared to gilt, with mixed pens intermediate between the two. Gilts were more efficient than barrows, again with mixed pens intermediate (P < 0.001). No sex differences were observed for starting or ending BW CV (P > 0.10). Similar to whole body ADG, carcass ADG was greatest for the barrows and least for the gilts, with mixed pens intermediate (P = 0.011). Carcass efficiency was greater in the gilt pens and mixed pens when compared to the barrow pens (P < 0.001).

Effect of HC on Carcass Characteristics

Days to market increased as HC increased (P < 0.001; Table 5). The MCh and HCh treatments had greater market BW and HCW (P < 0.001) than the LCh treatment. Carcass yield was greatest in MCh compared to HCh, which in turn was greater than LCh (P < 0.001). There were no differences among treatments for loin depth, fat depth, or estimated lean yield (P > 0.10).

Table 5.

The effect of HC and sex on carcass measurements in grow-finish pigs raised under commercial conditions1

Item	HC2			Sex3			Pooled SEM	P value4
	LCh	MCh	HCh	Barrows	Mixed	Gilts		HC	Sex
Days to market5,6	133a	143b	148c	141	141	141	0.2	<0.001	0.085
Market weight5, kg	129.3b	132.6a	132.6a	135.0z	132.0y	127.5x	1.3	0.010	<0.001
HCW5, kg	93.5b	98.2a	97.6a	99.0z	94.0y	93.7x	1.0	<0.001	<0.001
Yield, %	72.4c	74.1a	73.6b	73.3	73.2	73.5	0.2	<0.001	0.189
Lean, %	55.1	54.8	54.8	53.4x	55.2y	56.4z	0.2	0.428	<0.001
Loin depth, mm	60.2	60.7	60.5	60.1	60.5	60.9	0.6	0.662	0.200
Fat depth, mm	18.1	18.6	18.5	20.7z	18.4y	16.1x	0.3	0.235	<0.001

a–c or z–x within a row, least square means lacking a common superscript differ, P <0.05.

1Three 1,000 pig grow-finish facilities, located on the same production site in Iowa, were each populated with 936 crossbred pigs (Cambrough female [PIC 1050] × DNA600 terminal sire); this study did not start until approximately 34 d post weaning (13.1 ± 0.2 kg of BW). Pigs remained on test until achieving marketing BW (130.5 ± 1.4 kg).

2Least square means of HC.

3Least square means of sex.

4Probability values for main effects of HC or sex.

5Average start body weight used as a covariate.

6Days to market = total pig days ÷ sum of market value pig and light-cull pigs.

Compared to gilts, barrows were heavier at market when expressed as Market weight (P = 0.01) or hot carcass weight (P < 0.001); the mixed-sex pens were intermediate between the two. Gilts had less back-fat and greater lean yield than barrows, with mixed-sex pens intermediate. No differences were observed among sexes for carcass yield or loin depth (P > 0.10).

Effect of Heath Challenge on Net Returns

In the fixed-weight model, increasing HC resulted in total barn losses of $21,454 and $46,199 for MCh and HCh, respectively, compared to LCh (Table 6). Comparing HCh with MCh, net profits were reduced by $24,746. Reductions in the sale of full-value pigs and lower carcass weight were the main contributors to lost revenue. Costs were increased from LCh to MCh but reduced in the HCh, as a result of differences in days to market, affecting yardage costs, as well as the cost of individual pig medical treatments. The much higher mortality in HCh resulted in lower feed costs compared to LCh and MCh, because fewer pigs were fed to market; transportation costs were affected in the same way. Due to the impacts on both revenues and expenses, net profit per pig marketed was reduced from LCh to MCh to HCh ($15.16, $5.70, and ($8.11), respectively). Reductions in net profit were also observed when expressed on a per pig placed basis: $13.53, $4.59, and ($5.72), for LCh, MCh, and HCh, respectively.

Table 6.

The calculated economic impact of an increasing HC, assuming all pigs sold using a fixed-weight model, 130 kg

Parameter	LCh11	MCh11	HCh11
Production times
Days on feed1	138	152	165
Days to market2	133	143	148
Production impact
Total pigs placed, pig	2,400	2,400	2,400
Total pigs marketed full value3, pig	2,141	1,932	1,694
Live weight produced4, kg	278,304.00	251,160.00	220,272.00
Carcass weight produced5, kg	201,881.72	186,059.33	162,164.25
Pigs sold secondary market6, pig	101	166	77
Economic impact
Total revenue7, $	306,172.58	287,504.63	245,631.76
Total costs8, $	273,712.57	276,498.39	259,371.08
Net profit9, $	32,460.01	11,006.24	(13,739.32)
Profit/pig marketed, $	15.16	5.70	(8.11)
Profit/pig placed, $	13.53	4.59	(5.72)
Opportunity lost10, $	–	21,453.77	46,199.33
Loss/pig marketed10, $	–	9.47	23.27
Loss/pig placed10, $	–	8.94	19.25

1Days on feed = total pig days (including mortality and morbidity) ÷ total pigs marketed full value.

2Average days to market required to achieve the target end body weight.

3Total pigs marketed full value = total pigs placed − (mortality + morbidity + pigs sold to secondary market).

4Live weight produced = total pigs marketed full value × 130 kg.

5Carcass weight produced = live weight produced × % yield.

6Pigs that were considered underweight or cull animals.

7Total revenue = (carcass weight produced × $/kg full-value pig) + (pigs sold secondary market × $/pig secondary market).

8Cost of feeder pig, yardage, veterinarian, trucking, and feed.

9Net profit = total revenue – total costs.

10Comparison of the LCh to the MCh and HCh net profit loss for the total barn and per pig marketed and per pig placed.

11All currency in USD.

Sensitivity analysis helps to place changes in net income in the context of fluctuations in market hog prices and feed costs; Table 7 presents the results of such sensitivity analysis when market hog prices and/or feed prices fluctuated 20% above or below average. These results show the increase in losses in MCh and HCh, compared to LCh. It can be seen that in the fixed-weight model, losses in MCh compared with LCh would range from $8.49/pig to 10.44/pig. Similarly, losses in HCh would range from $20.44 to $26.10 when compared to LCh.

Table 7.

Sensitivity of loss/pig marketed to alternative commodity prices (sensitivity analysis) due to an increasing HC, assuming all pigs sold using a fixed-weight model, 130 kg

		Feed costs1
Change in HC	Feeder pig, primary and secondary market pig prices1	20% price increase	Baseline2	20% price decline
LCh to MCh	20% price increase	10.44	9.62	8.79
	Baseline3	10.29	9.47	8.64
	20% price decline	10.14	9.32	8.49
LCh to HCh	20% price increase	21.96	21.20	20.44
	Baseline3	24.03	23.27	22.51
	20% price decline	26.10	25.34	24.58
MCh to HCh	20% price increase	11.52	11.59	11.65
	Baseline3	13.74	13.81	13.87
	20% price decline	15.96	16.02	16.09

1All currency in USD.

2Baseline price for feed costs $201.67/t.

3Baseline price for feeder pigs $41.63/pig, primary market pigs $1.48/kg carcass weight and secondary market pigs $73.29/pig.

In the fixed-time model, increasing HC resulted in total barn losses of $27,638 and $49,820 for MCh and HCh, respectively, compared to LCh (Table 8). Comparing HCh with MCh, net profits were reduced by $22,182; in this way, it can be seen that losses due to HC are magnified in the fixed-time as compared to the fixed-weight model. Due to the impacts on both revenues and expenses, net profit per pig marketed was reduced from LCh to MCh to HCh ($15.17, $3.09, and ($9.56) USD, respectively). Reductions in net profit were also observed when expressed on a per pig placed basis: $14.01, $2.49 and ($6.75) USD, for LCh, MCh, and HCh, respectively.

Table 8.

The calculated economic impact of an increasing HC, assuming all pigs sold using a fixed-time model, 133 d

Parameter	LCh11	MCh11	HCh11
Production times
Days on feed1	138	142	149
Days to market2	133	133	133
Production impact
Total pigs placed, pig	2,400	2,400	2,400
Total pigs marketed full value3, pig	2,141	1,932	1,694
Live weight produced4, kg	277,476.59	24,0579.94	206,654.51
Carcass weight produced5, kg	202,557.91	175,623.36	150,857.79
Pigs sold secondary market6, pig	101	166	77
Economic impact
Total revenue7, $	307,173.34	272,059.39	228,898.21
Total costs8, $	273,558.28	266,082.02	245,103.21
Net profit9, $	33,615.06	5,977.37	(16,205.00)
Profit/pig marketed, $	15.70	3.09	(9.56)
Profit/pig placed, $	14.01	2.49	(6.75)
Opportunity lost10, $	–	27,637.69	49,820.06
Loss/pig marketed10, $	–	12.61	25.27
Loss/pig placed10, $	–	11.52	20.76

1Days on feed = total pig days (including mortality and morbidity) ÷ total pigs marketed full value.

2Set days allowed for this model.

3Total pigs marketed full value = total pigs placed − (mortality + morbidity + pigs sold to secondary market).

4Live weight produced = total pigs marketed full value × (13.1 kg + [ADG × 133 d]).

5Carcass weight produced = live weight produced × % yield.

6Pigs that were considered underweight or cull animals.

7Total revenue = (carcass weight produced × $/kg full-value pig) + (pigs sold secondary market × $/pig secondary market).

8Cost of feeder pig, yardage, veterinarian, trucking, and feed.

9Net profit = total revenue – total costs.

10Comparison of the LCh to the MCh and HCh net profit loss for the total barn and per pig marketed and per pig placed.

11All currency in USD.

The sensitivity of these results to changes in market prices and feed costs are presented in Table 9. The financial loss due to an increased HC from LCh to MCh ranged between $11.02 and $14.20 USD/pig marketed. From LCh to HCh, the range in losses per pig marketed was $20.71 to $29.82. Thus, market conditions affect the financial impact of an increased HC.

Table 9.

Sensitivity of loss/pig marketed to alternative commodity prices (sensitivity analysis) due to an increasing HC, assuming all pigs sold using a fixed-time model, 133 d

		Feed costs1
Change in HC	Feeder pig, primary and secondary market pig prices1	20% price increase	Baseline2	20% price decline
LCh to MCh	20% price increase	11.12	11.07	11.02
	Baseline3	12.66	12.61	12.56
	20% price decline	14.20	14.08	14.10
LCh to HCh	20% price increase	20.71	21.13	21.55
	Baseline3	24.85	25.27	25.69
	20% price decline	28.98	29.33	29.82
MCh to HCh	20% price increase	9.59	10.06	10.53
	Baseline3	12.19	12.66	13.13
	20% price decline	14.78	15.25	15.72

1All currency in USD.

2Baseline price for feed costs $201.67/t.

3Baseline price for feeder pigs $41.63/pig, primary market pigs $1.48/kg carcass weight and secondary market pigs $73.29/pig.

DISCUSSION

The range of impact on performance and net returns relative to the severity of naturally occurring, multi-etiology disease under commercial conditions is not well documented. Exposure to PRRSV and IAV-S will cause lethargy, reduced growth rates, and increase mortality and morbidity (Rochell et al., 2015; Schweer, 2015; Schweer et al., 2016a). Exacerbated symptoms in the event of multiple infections are expected; however, very little data exist to confirm this and quantify its impact. Van Reeth et al. (1996) reported intensified clinical symptoms in the event of a PRRSV co-challenge with IAV-S or porcine respiratory coronavirus in feeder pigs. They noted that clinical symptoms were variable in different groups of pigs challenged with the same PRRSV-IAV-S combination, demonstrating that co-challenges are difficult to reproduce and will impact pigs differently than an infection with a single virus. Much like Van Reeth’s experiment, pigs in this study had exacerbated clinical symptoms in the MCh and HCh treatments due to the PRRSV and IAV-S co-challenge but the HCh was more severely impacted than the MCh.

The number of injectable medications increased by 111% and 208% in the MCh and HCh treatments, respectively, compared to LCh. Mortality was similarly increased by 133% and 503% in the MCh and HCh treatments, respectively. The mortality observed in the present study was greater than expected based on the current literature. In an economic analysis by Holtkamp et al. (2013), greater severity of a PRRSV infection increased mortality by as much as 35%.

In the present study, due to increased mortality, the proportion of animals sold as full-value pigs decreased by 9.8% and 21% in the MCh and HCh, respectively, which again is greater than that reported by Holtkamp et al. (2013). They reported a 0.73% and 0.62% decrease in full-value pigs sold in the event of a PRRSV challenge. The study reported herein characterized the relative health status of the three barns but did not comprehensively diagnose all potential pathogens in the three barns. To test for all potential pathogens would have been cost prohibitive and, as some definitive tests require post-mortem samples, would have interfered with growth and performance data of the pigs. Thus, knowing absolute health status comprehensively and collecting performance data with minimal iatrogenic manipulation is very challenging. One of the explanations for variance between the numbers reported by Holtkamp et al. (2013) and those measured here could be the undetected presence of additional pathogens that were not included in the Holtkamp analysis.

In the event of a HC, it is well understood that growth performance will be influenced due to a reduction in feed intake and muscle protein catabolism along with the diversion of essential energy and nutrients to support immune function (Williams 1997a, b, c; Huntley et al., 2017). Van Reeth et al. (1996) reported reduced ADG under a PRRSV-IAV-S challenge; however, no other published data exist that describe the impact of a PRRSV and IAV-S co-infection specifically on growth performance in grow-finish pigs. Rochell et al. (2015), Schweer (2015), and Schweer et al. (2016a) reported reduced overall ADG and ADFI when pigs were under a PRRSV challenge. While ADG and ADFI were lower in the present experiment, the modest reduction in G:F was a surprise. In a grow-finish experiment by Schweer (2015), feed efficiency was reduced by 6.8% when pigs experienced a PRRSV infection, which is greater than the 4.8% observed in this experiment.

There were no differences observed in final BW; this was expected as pigs from all treatments were marketed on the basis of BW and not on the basis of time in the barn. Due to suppressed growth rates, days to market was lengthened by 10 and 15 d in the MCh and HCh, respectively, compared to LCh. Schweer (2015) reported 14 greater days to market when pigs experienced a PRRSV infection.

The design of this experiment dictated that pigs were marketed at a similar BW, to provide the best comparison for the HC effects on carcass composition. It would be expected that the slower growing pigs would tend to be leaner and would deposit less fat (Williams et al., 1997c; Schweer 2015); however, this was not observed in the present experiment.

Using parameters for growth, mortality, and full-value pigs sold, Neumann et al. (2005) first assessed the financial burden of PRRSV to U.S. pig producers as $494 USD million. Later, Holtkamp et al. (2013) estimated these losses at $664 USD million in grow-finish pigs. In a recent interim report, Holtkamp reported that the economic impact of PRRSV has fallen by $83 million USD to $581 million USD in grow-finish pigs (Miller, 2017). Both economic models in the present study reveal serious losses in the event of a PRRSV and IAV-S co-challenge under commercial conditions; however, the fixed-time model resulted in greater losses when calculated on a per barn-turn basis. Neumann et al. (2005) estimated PRRSV cost U.S. hog producers $7.67 USD/pig, while Holtkamp et al. (2013) reported production losses of $4.67 USD for every pig marketed in the U.S. Unfortunately, these economic analyses by Neumann and Holtkamp only assess the economic contribution of a PRRSV infection. They also represent “average” losses estimated across the total US pig herd. The results of this experiment suggest that the economic impact of a co-challenge can vary widely.

In conclusion, increasing severity of HC under commercial conditions reduced ADG by 8% and 14% and resulted in mortality as high as 19.9%. Losses of $9.49 to $25.32/pig marketed underscores the potential magnitude of the economic impact of mixed etiology concurrent diseases in pork production.