Data recording and detail boost productivity
It's difficult to pinpoint what pig producers should focus on to improve breeding herd performance, writes Angela Cliff.
But two things that highly-productive units have in common are their use of recorded data and their attention to detail.
Herd performance recording and allowing time to understand patterns in the data helps identify which changes could make the biggest difference to pig performance and cutting costs.
All businesses, including the top performers, can benefit.
The BPEX knowledge transfer team is working with pig recording analyst Sanne Baden and six different pig producers on a year-long pig recording project, as part of the "Breed +3" initiative to help each herd wean an extra three pigs per sow per year.
Plans producers have made as a result of their data analysis include:
Measuring the impact of different genetics through the system
Reducing the number of non-productive days by scanning twice and using boars to check for heat and
Recording causes of death in the farrowing house to help pinpoint associations with higher than normal pre-weaning mortality rates.
Producers can contact the BPEX knowledge transfer team for help with recording and understanding their data at any time.
It is more challenging, however, for the knowledge transfer team to help all pig unit staff improve attention to detail. It's not possible to visit every farm to work with staff on daily pig management tasks but it is hoped that the large library of on-farm video clips in the new Practical Pig app will be a good alternative.
It's an exciting new tool for the industry that managers and stockmen can use while they're out and about on farm. The clips explain why tasks are done in a certain way and what impact that can have on pig productivity.
The video clips currently cover both indoor and outdoor breeding herd production, with more clips being added regularly. If there is something producers would like to be added, please let the knowledge transfer team know.
To download the free app for smartphone or tablet go to play.google.com and search for BPEX Practical Pig or, to download the videos on a PC or laptop, go to http://practicalpig.bpex.org.uk
Angela Cliff is BPEX knowledge transfer manager for central England
