What is one advantage of producing later maturing hogs?

Producing later maturing hogs can indeed be advantageous primarily because they grow to heavier weights. This characteristic is significant in livestock production, particularly in terms of economic return. Later maturing hogs typically have a longer growth period, allowing them to accumulate more muscle and fat, which leads to heavier carcass weights at the time of market. This can result in higher market prices and, therefore, increased profitability for producers.

The choice to select for later maturing livestock is often based on the balance between growth rate, feed efficiency, and market demands. Hogs that mature later may require more feed over their longer lifespan, but when properly managed, they can ultimately yield a heavier and potentially more valuable carcass.

In contrast, other options, such as taste or management ease, are influenced by various factors beyond just the maturity rate. The advantages of weight gain among later maturing hogs present a clearer economic incentive when considering livestock selection for producers aiming to maximize their returns.