Between barrows and gilts, which are generally more efficient converters of feed to lean meat?

Gilts are generally more efficient converters of feed to lean meat compared to barrows. This efficiency can be attributed to several factors related to their biological and physiological characteristics. Gilts, which are young female pigs that have not been bred, tend to have a higher growth rate and better feed conversion ratios. They are also capable of utilizing nutrients more effectively because of their different hormonal profile, which favors muscle growth over fat deposition.

In terms of production efficiency, gilts' lean tissue growth is optimized due to their reproductive physiology, which allows them to convert feed into muscle more effectively. This trait is particularly important in commercial swine production, where the focus is on maximizing lean meat yield from feed inputs.

While barrows, which are castrated male pigs, also provide valuable meat production opportunities, their feed conversion capabilities are typically less efficient in comparison to gilts. This efficiency difference makes gilts generally the preferred choice for producers focused on maximizing lean meat yields from their feeding programs.