Finely Tuned Production = Least Cost Production

Most of today’s pork producers are very aware of production costs and the value of increased efficiencies. Even with this in mind, in almost every operation there are details that can be overlooked. These details take little bites out of your profits, and eat away at your bottom line. Following are a few suggestions from our veterinarian, Dr. Darwin Kohler, that may help you reclaim those lost profits:

Optimize Throughput

Hit your breeding target each week. Just two females short per week x 52 weeks equals 104 matings. At an 85% farrowing rate, the result is 88 litters, or about 850 pigs marketed per year. At 250 pounds and $40/cwt, this amounts to $85,000 per year! Management of gilt flow is key to achieving breeding targets. Mature gilts need a minimum of six weeks of development. If gilts are normally bred on the third heat and more gilts are needed, breed on the second heat to temporarily increase the pool of eligible gilts – but immediately begin selecting more gilts to replenish the gilt pool.

Health and Genetics

These two factors are difficult to separate. You must use top genetics geared to optimize premiums from your packer without sacrificing health. Review biosecurity and sanitation procedures regularly and implement an action plan to improve weak spots. If just one disease enters your herd, costs can raise by $1 - $3 per pig produced.

Use the PQA program, and review prevention and treatment protocols at least annually for cost effectiveness. According to Dr. Kohler's review of customer records, the Babcock Closed Herd™ System will achieve production results in the top 10% of all farms, and also allow the elimination of vaccinations and antibiotics in the finisher.

Watch Feed Costs

Proper feeder adjustment can save $1 to $3 per head. In a 500 sow unit, this amounts to $10,000 - $30,000 per year! Incorrect particle size can also contribute to unnecessary feed costs.

Monitor particle size carefully - proper particle size (700 – 800 microns) is worth .3 pounds of feed per pound of gain. In a 500 sow unit, this amounts to $40,000 per year.

Use a feed budget to feed the maximum number of pigs correctly. Check feed quality and formulations at least quarterly, or more often if you notice any irregularities.

An adequate supply of clean, fresh water is absolutely necessary. Check water quantity often, and check water quality quarterly.

Environment

Maintain a good environment for both pigs and people. People interacting positively with pigs make the most profits. Experts claim gains of 2 – 3 pigs per sow per year as a result of good herdsmanship.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance prevents costly breakdowns and improves the working efficiency of most equipment. For example, dirty fan louvers can cut output by 40%. Primary and secondary air inlets must be sized correctly and not obstructed for optimum air quality. It is also important to prepare for the unforeseen - test generators each week under load for proper function and review alarm procedures regularly.

Sorting and Marketing

Carefully sort and market pigs to optimize premiums from your packer. Sort loss alone averages over $1 per hog marketed. In a 500 sow unit, this amounts to over $10,000 annually.

Use Benchmarks

Benchmarks will help you identify your operation’s strengths and weaknesses. Benchmarks can be particularly useful in the areas of reproduction and grow-finish statistics in addition to production costs to see how you compare to other producers. Use the top 10% as a goal, and the 50th percentile as an interference level. Set up a plan of action, monitor results, then revise the action plan as needed to meet improvement goals.

Dr. Kohler suggests using this list as a guide to create your own list, then perform monthly reviews to check your progress. Remember, it is attention to details that will produce the highest quality product at the least possible cost.