Pig notes November 2007
Feed Costs
What is the average cost of feeding a pig? This is a question I am continuously asked but one I am reluctant to answer. Why? Not because I do not know the answer but because average figures can be very misleading. Over the past few years Greenmount Pig Benchmarking has consistently shown at least a 20p / KG range in feed costs, that is, over £15 / pig difference (78 KG carcase). It is important therefore that you calculate the feed cost for your unit especially given the high cost of feed at present. One of the simplest ways of doing this is to take part in the Greenmount Pig Benchmarking project. As the amount of creep, link, grower and finisher fed/pig is calculated it is simple to work out the cost of feeding a pig and to adjust the cost as feed prices change. If you would like to take part in the Pig Benchmarking project please contact me at the above e-mail address or 028 9442 6767.
Serious about Salmonella
At the recent ‘Serious about Salmonella’ conference a few interesting points on controlling Salmonella at farm level were discussed. The points which I found of most interest and relevance are as follows:
- Experience in Denmark has shown that organic acids and changes to feed play a part in solving Salmonella problems on units with a high level of infection. The first step in controlling Salmonella infection on Danish farms is to add organic acids, formic or lactic, to the feed or water. On units where organic acids do not provide adequate control, meal diets, based on non heat treated barley are fed to the pigs.
- It is known that rats and mice spread Salmonella. However did you know that one pellet of faeces is sufficient to infect a pig? Mice excrete 100 faecal pellets in a 24-hour period!
- Loading ramps can be a source of infection and should be washed and disinfected after use.
- Recent on farm experience has shown that worms may play a part in Salmonella spread. If your unit has an on going Salmonella problem, it may be worthwhile arranging to have livers checked at the factory.
- On farm control of Salmonella can be summed up by the following statement:“Meal is better than pellets, coarse ground better than fine ground, barley better than wheat and non heat treated feed better than heat treated.”
Pig Challenge
It is often said that you are never too old to learn! This is especially true in a changing pig industry where new ideas, systems and challenges are continually being introduced. If you would be interested in learning more about pig production and obtain a qualification at the same time why not consider taking part in the Business Challenge for Pig Farmers. The programme consists of a series of small group, evening meetings which run from November through to March. At the meetings you will have the chance to discuss issues such as pig production costs, how to reduce feed costs, the best feeder for finishers, the benefits of depopulating and repopulating and many other practical topics. On successful completion of the course you will be awarded a qualification. If you would be interested in taking part in the programme please e-mail me at the above address.