Atrophic rhinitis in pigs primarily causes which economic problem?

Atrophic rhinitis in pigs primarily causes which economic problem?

• A. Increased litter size
• B. Improved feed efficiency
• C. Poor feed conversion
• D. Faster growth

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how a pig respiratory disease translates into production losses through feed efficiency and growth. Atrophic rhinitis damages the nasal passages, which can reduce appetite and slow growth, and it can also increase energy use for breathing and coping with illness. In pig production, feed costs are a major driver of profit, so a condition that worsens feed conversion means more feed is needed per unit of weight gain, raising costs and reducing profitability. That’s why the economic problem is poor feed conversion. It wouldn’t increase litter size or speed up growth, and it doesn’t improve feed efficiency—in fact, it makes it worse.

The key idea is how a pig respiratory disease translates into production losses through feed efficiency and growth. Atrophic rhinitis damages the nasal passages, which can reduce appetite and slow growth, and it can also increase energy use for breathing and coping with illness. In pig production, feed costs are a major driver of profit, so a condition that worsens feed conversion means more feed is needed per unit of weight gain, raising costs and reducing profitability. That’s why the economic problem is poor feed conversion. It wouldn’t increase litter size or speed up growth, and it doesn’t improve feed efficiency—in fact, it makes it worse.