Sow farms are the steam engine of your swine operation, and every small adjustment you make can have a significant impact on your bottom line. Understanding the economics of gilt and sow production and the factors influencing profitability are paramount in making the right decisions for your operation.
Understanding the Economics of Gilt and Sow Production
Three key factors contribute to 98% of the variation in swine farm profitability: cost per pound or kilogram of gain, price per pound or kilogram of pork and cost per weaned pig. Understanding what contributes to these metrics is essential for evaluating the productivity, health, efficiency and overall performance of your sow farm.
Navigating Market Conditions and Cost Drivers
Navigating market conditions can be challenging, especially when balancing cost savings and revenue generation. In an upmarket, the focus is on maximizing revenue opportunities within a short window. Conversely, in a sideways market, the goal shifts to operating at a break-even cost of production, with a focus on cost savings. Key cost drivers on a sow farm include replacement gilts, non-productive days, feed, labor, facility costs, health management expenses and transportation costs. When production costs become too high, profitability can plummet if your pigs experience health issues, labor problems and other challenges that prevent your farm from achieving the desired cost per weaned pig.
Leveraging Nutrition to Improve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Implementing a proven trace mineral nutrition program can significantly enhance sow health and livability of your sows, bringing you closer to achieving greater profitability and success.
Zinpro research has shown significant improvements in KPIs such as conception and farrowing rate. For example, a recent study conducted with 667 multiparous sows demonstrated a 7.9% increase in conception rate and a 4.7% improvement in farrowing rate in sows fed Zinpro trace mineral nutrition during gestation and lactation.
Optimizing Sow Farm Profitability with Zinpro
Every decision you make can impact system profitability. Optimizing sow and gilt health is not just a goal — it’s a necessity. By leveraging the power of Zinpro® Performance Minerals®, you can achieve key performance indicators, improve animal health and boost system productivity. Whether you’re operating in an upmarket or a sideways market, Zinpro provides the tools and insights needed to navigate market conditions and drive profitability on your sow farm. Partner with us to unlock your pigs’ potential from sows to finish and discover ways to optimize your production costs.
Take a deeper dive. Sign up today to receive our eBook, Factors Influencing Gilt and Sow Farm Profitability, Achieving Key Performance Indicators with Zinpro.
