BATCH FARROWING: 10 YEARS LATER

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on May 10, 2017

WHAT DOES BATCH FARROWING MEAN?

First we need to know what a batch farrowing system is – taking one week’s production and compiling it into a multi-week system. It can range from a 2 week cycle to a 4 or 5 week cycle. Instead of breeding and weaning every week, you do it once every 2 weeks or whatever length works for your operation, depending on labour availability, desired nursery group size, and target weaning age. The 2 week batch will give you 10 continuous groups in the sow barn or 26 groups per year.

ADVANTAGES TO A BATCH SYSTEM

• Larger and more uniform weaner group sizes

• Feeding the pigs more efficiently

• Defining the jobs amongst employees

• Planning your week out for busier days

• Using your labour more efficiently, when and where you need it

• Easier to plan for holidays and long weekends

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