Swine Production Records

Production record systems overwhelm many farmers. However, if pork producers want to increase profit, then complete,detailed records are essential. At least two figures must be determined each year: total production costs and income.This publication contains sample production records for feed, the breeding herd, and growing/finishing pigs. While other records are required to effectively monitor production, these production records cover most profit opportunities for existing
swine units.

Feed Records There are two forms for monitoring feed. The Feed Formula Record provides a record of the ingredient composition of each diet you mix. This form is especially important if more than one person mixes feed. The Batch Record helps determine the amount of each diet used. Every time you mix a batch of feed, record the diet, date, amount of feed per batch, and the number of batches mixed. Have the form initialed by the person mixing each batch. This form is useful for inventory control and for troubleshooting feed related problems.

Sow Records The four sow record forms concentrate on breeding and lactation. Use the Breeding Record form to record hand-matings. Record the date, time of day, and boar for first, second, and third services. You can also record the
results of 21-day heat checks and pregnancy checks at 35 to 42 days after breeding.

Days From Weaning To Breeding is a critical record to keep during breeding. Use this form to record sow numbers in the appropriate column. For example, if a sow is weaned on Thursday and is bred the following Tuesday, write her number in the 4 to 7 days column. When breeding is completed for a group of sows, most sows should be in the first column. Some may fall in the second column. If sows require 10 or more days to cycle after weaning, then a problem may exist.

Another important record is Days From Breeding To Recycling. When a sow is bred, she should conceive and farrow 114 days later. Unfortunately, some sows do not conceive and may recycle. By recording the exact days from breeding to recycling,
you can determine the possible reasons for recycling and hopefully prevent recycling in the future. The final sow record is the Farrowing Records form. This form allows you to keep important information on sows and their pigs. It includes a record of sow condition, number of pigs, birth and weaning weights, and vaccinations.

Growing/Finishing Records Four forms make up the growing/ finishing records. To make full use of all forms, keep pig records by group (farrowing groups or purchase groups). The Growing/Finishing Group History is a complete record for each litter in a group. This form requires litter identification and will help if your operation is farrow-to-finish or farrow- to-feeder. If you buy feeder pigs, this form is of no use. The   rowing/Finishing Group Inventory is the most important growing/finishing record. It acts as a ledger for each group of pigs you feed. After recording the group number, record the date when this
group was weaned and moved to grow/finish. Also record the total number of pigs in this group. Record the total number and combined weight of pigs at beginning (weaning or purchase). Then record the weight of every pig that dies and the weight and number sold light (feeder pigs or tail-enders).

Record the number and weight of gilts kept for replacements. Finally, record the number and weight of market hogs sold. The Death Loss Record is primarily for health purposes. By keeping a record of deaths and their causes, you can detect most health problems early. The Growing/Finishing Group Feed And Medication Record helps you monitor feed and medicines used by  each group. You can record the diet used, amount fed, medication product, and medication level for a pen, group, or barn.
Conclusion These records are only examples and may not work for every pork producer. However, they can form the basis for a solid system of swine production records.

By Auburn University