Ask a group of producers which data matters most, and you’ll get a wide range of answers. That’s because every operation is different, with its own structure, priorities and goals.
Despite that, many producers still believe they need to collect as much data as possible. In reality, better results come from focusing on the right data and executing well. We regularly see operations achieve significant insights from relatively small datasets, provided the data is accurate and consistent.
More Than Feed
Feed costs naturally receive a lot of attention given their share of total expenses. Metrics around consumption, pricing trends and efficiency are critical, but herd health data is just as valuable. Understanding current health conditions and identifying changes early can have a significant impact on both performance and profitability.
Access to daily treatment and mortality data has improved considerably. With timely insights, producers can detect subtle shifts that might otherwise go unnoticed until they develop into larger issues.
Tracking the right metrics helps producers stay ahead of challenges rather than reacting after the fact. For example, data consistently shows that health at placement plays a major role in determining outcomes like average daily gain and feed efficiency.
At a minimum, daily mortality should be tracked. What was once considered a lagging indicator is now a leading signal that can help anticipate future performance.
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