Pig production guide Part 8:
The value of keeping detailed records F
arming is a business. No business can survive without good administration. Keeping detailed records of your pig farming business is essential to remain profitable, avoid losses and keep control of your farm. Luckily, there are many programmes available that will allow you to keep digital records of your pig farm. You will also be able to have a visual representation of your records by receiving automatic graphs that are drawn based on the data that you enter. Investing in one of these computer programmes
will definitely regenerate the initial cost over time. Many types of records need to be kept on a pig farm. You need to stay updated with financial records, feed records, reproduction records of individual sows, and stock taking. Physical records should include the individual registration numbers of each pig for the stud farmer. Being organised is essential for timing insemination accurately. Use this information to develop your own records for effective service routines.
ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 15
Setting up and following an effective heat detection and service plan for your farm helps you to: • Detect the signs of heat accurately • Schedule insemination at the optimum times This is essential for optimising breeding performance and achieving the best results. Review and adjust the routine periodically and develop an effective routine based on current best practice and information recorded on your farm. 33
