The model was developed to address the recognized deficiency in financial information on free-farrowing systems, and assist pig producers in estimating the cost of producing pigs in such systems.  The model is available on line at  http://www.ncl.ac.uk/afrd/research/project/4378.   Users can select from eight  different types of farrowing accommodation and four gestation housing systems, with additional variations on floor type and feeding system.  Input data on herd size and productivity are entered into one active sheet and, using built-in data on housing and other input costs, the model computes the cost of producing a weaner pig 8kg at 4 weeks of age) in each gestation/farrowing system combination selected.  Sensitivities to input or output changes can also be evaluated by altering herd performance.  The use of this model provides pig producers, policy makers and other stakeholders with a means to estimate  the likely cost of pig production prior to any investment in a new housing system.

Sandra Edwards