The Cornish Discussion Group discussed the pig industry’s forthcoming major project – achieving ‘the two tonne sow’ (to be launched 11-12 May at the British Pig and Poultry Fair). Although none of the producers present is achieving the BPEX target of two tonnes of meat sold per sow per year, they believe it is achievable. Interesting points were raised…
This specific, measurable target would only be met by raising the slaughter weight of all pigs sold and increasing the numbers sold. Both would require attention to detail! Having all invested in their units over the last few years the mood was buoyant but questions were raised over how quickly this target could be met and if it would make them any more profitable. Nevertheless, it is important that we get our physical performance up to EU standards to put us in a stronger, more sustainable position if the exchange rate slipped.
Performance indicators
highlighted that the attention to detail needed to be focused on the farrowing
rooms to improve the numbers weaned per litter. This would then put pressure on
the rest of the unit and space would be at a premium. Extra accommodation would
be required to finish the pigs if the sow herd stayed the same size, or
improvements in growth rates were not attained. Selling heavier pigs is fine as
long as the contract permits it and the penalties for over weights and probes
are known and do not negate the benefits being made as more pigs will go out of
spec the harder the pigs are pushed!
Discussion moved on to
optimum stocking rates, pig health, FCR’s along with buildings, welfare,
bio-security and manipulable materials, as well as genetics and how our European
counterparts are getting on.
People were eager to know
how others had adhered to the legislation changes on manipulable materials. From
April 1st 2010 it is no longer acceptable to provide only chains for
manipulation on a slatted system; an additional destructible material must be
accessible that doesn’t get soiled.
It was concluded that it is
imperative to know your current Cost of Production (COP) before making any
changes and trying to calculate what the change in COP would be to any new
system. Thames Valley Cambac (TVC) now have a COP model that can help producers
identify the savings due to any performance changes.