The next priority is to work on gilt performance and retention to further improve the numbers born per litter and over the whole lifetime of each sow. One focus area is to tailor nutrition more accurately so gilt condition is optimised at each stage of production.
David was experiencing marking-up at about 45 days. As part of a buildings review, a general maintenance check was carried out. To see what kind of areas were investigated, and the importance of good maintenance, check out the video on the website.2
More gilts are being retained to their second parity this year from last year, following a number of improvements. This should start to improve the overall herd make-up and parity profile, with fewer sows in the later parities and more sows in the most productive parities.
Like a large proportion of producers, David was using acid in his water but, after a short period, was experiencing a build-up of slime (algae) in his pipes, which was blocking his drinkers and restricting the water supply to his pigs. Water sampling was carried out as per the microbiology and mineral SOP.3
Weighing pigs David made major investment in a new finisher building to help cater for the increased pig numbers being produced by the breeding herd and to enable them to take pigs to higher finished weights. Pigs are now going to be individually tagged and weighed at birth, weaning and a week before slaughter, which will provide detailed information on individual pig performance in the new accommodation and will ensure the business makes the most of the investment.
Samples were taken at the bore hole, from the header tank and from a broken line (before the nipple) at the beginning, during and the end of a batch to find out what was happening to the quality of water over the period. David implemented a deep clean of his water system to remove the biofilm (which was feeding the algae) and to keep his water clean throughout the batch. For more details on the results, see the Strategic Farm section of the website.1
Weighing litters individually at weaning will be key to understanding patterns of variation in the finisher herd so variation can start to be reduced.
For more information on the importance of providing clean water to pigs, see our water report prepared by RAFT Solutions.4 The new strategic farms will be focusing on water quality and delivery.5
Learning from others
New Strategic Farms
David says: “If you want to be the best, you’ve got to learn from others. Being part of this project has made me question what we’re doing on our unit much more – I’m always happy to listen to advice and try to implement changes people have suggested.”
Water on the Strategic farm The Environment and Buildings team worked closely with David to address issues around water quality and supply in the weaner-grower buildings.
New AHDB Pork Strategic Farms will start working with fellow producers and the industry in 2018, to help improve performance and profitability. Specialist knowledge, additional resources and support are on offer to producers taking part, who will be focusing on topics important to both their unit and the wider pig industry. They include water quality and quantity and reducing risk of tail-biting. See the website for more information about Strategic Farms5 or contact your knowledge exchange manager.6
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