Higher profit can be found in the farrowing pen!
With piglet prices on a high again, weaning as many piglets as possible is extra profitable. Therefore, pre-weaning mortality is and will always be a delicate subject.
The pre-weaning mortality rate in the Netherlands has been steadily increasing since 2010 (except for 2017) and amounted to 13.3% at the end of 2017. This was higher than the 12.8% of 2008 and in spite of the enormous attention for and measurements taken on the subject. Does this mean we reached a peak and that there is little to improve? Has everything been done to ameliorate piglet vitality? However, several individual pig farmers manage to stay well below 10% with their pre-weaning mortality.
Every 1% of pre-weaning mortality comes with a cost of € 9.30 per sow per year*. For every average Dutch company of 550 sows, a 1% reduction is equivalent to a profit increase of +5000 Euros. In addition, it provides more job satisfaction and a much-needed image change for pig farming in general. Therefore, piglet mortality and piglet vitality remain most important.
The Pigbusiness survey last month indicated that the vast majority of respondents believe that the solution lies in a combination of measures. The sector, just like Ardol, is convinced that we can indeed face the challenge.
Extra money is to be found in the farrowing pen, but sow farmers have to start collecting it. According to Ardol, the magic word in this ongoing discussion is; ATTENTION. Attention for the newborn piglet and the dozens of environmental factors that have an impact on it chance at survival.
More than 50% of the total pre-weaning mortality occurs in the first three days of life. Adjusted management with punctual labor is therefore of vital importance during this period. The Pig Vitality checklist 2018 is a good start and contains some detailed protocols. Sharing knowledge by experienced experts and a plan of action can also be of help.
Click here
for a video about the experience of a pig farmer with pre-weaning mortality well under 10%.
Want to receive more returns and job satisfaction from your present sow population? Please contact Ardol.
