WEANED PIG PRICES ARE UP, MAKE EVERY ONE COUNT
BY RANDY LEETE
In today’s market, every pig counts— and with weaned pig prices on the rise, the stakes are higher than ever. That’s why ensuring a strong start in the nursery is more than just good management—it’s a smart investment.
Nursery Phase: Critical & Stressful
The nursery phase is one of the most critical—and most stressful—periods in a pig’s life. Weaning introduces a cascade of challenges: dietary shifts, environmental changes, social stress, and pathogen exposure. These stressors can lead to a drop in feed intake, weakened immunity, and slower growth—setting pigs back during a stage where momentum matters most.
As Dr. Trey Kellner shared in an episode of APC’s Swine Trends podcast, “We have a saying within our wean system that if you get the first two days right on feed, it’ll save you two weeks of labor from there to market.” Those first 48 hours truly set the tone for the pig’s entire performance journey.
Plasma: A Proven Tool for Immune Health and Feed Intake
Functional proteins like plasma help mitigate the impact of these early-life stressors. Backed by decades of global research, plasma contains essential bioactive components that support immune function and encourage feed intake when pigs are most vulnerable.
By including plasma in nursery diets, producers can help pigs transition more smoothly through weaning, maintaining better appetite and resilience from the start.
A Smart Investment with Real ROI
When pigs get off to a strong start, they’re more likely to stay healthy, grow efficiently, and reach market weight on time. That adds up to real economic value.
Consider this simplified ROI example: A 1% improvement in average daily gain (ADG) during the nursery phase can lead to better finishing performance—resulting in a $2–$4 per head return by market. Plasma helps drive this improvement by supporting feed intake and immune competence in the earliest, most critical days.
Make Every Pig Count
With today’s weaned pig prices, protecting your investment from the start isn’t optional—it’s essential. Including plasma in the nursery diet supports health, growth, and your bottom line.
Let’s talk about how to make every pig—and every dollar—count.
