PDA and Pig Management

Robert Park, a pig farmer from Ballynure, Co. Antrim has discovered for himself the benefits of having information at hand when he needs it most. He puts a great deal of effort into managing his herd and keeps excellent breeding and finishing records. He uses the information to make sound management decisions.

Robert has used a PDA for the past two years to record event data when it happens in his pig unit. The information available on the PDA is later synchronised with the herd management software on his farm PC.
The software gives him a full analysis of the performance of his herd, reporting on individual sow performance, including conception and farrowing rates. Whole herd information is also provided including pre-weaning mortality, number of pigs reared per sow per year and total feed costs.
In business the saying “information is power” holds so true. In this case the information gives Robert the ability to make timely management decisions.

Robert says: “The PDA is much better for records than a notebook. I can get the information I need at the right time and make a decision on the spot. For example, when weaning a sow I can check back and find out about her previous performance. If there has been a pattern of poor litter size or other problems she can be marked for culling there and then. It has proven to be a good management tool on the farm.”