October 9, 2007

US university comes up with new method to measure sow weight

Swine specialists at Kansas State University have come up with a new system for measuring sow weights which they said would yield more accurate estimates.

A precise estimation of each sow's weight is extremely difficult but an estimate of the body weight of a sow is often the first important step to efficient feeding as the body weight determines around 80 percent of the feed needs of a gestating sow.

Hence, according to Mike Tokach, state leader of K-State Research and Extension's animal science programmes, swine specialists have developed a method to make the process easier for producers.

Tokach said a 'flank-to-flank' measurement can form the basis for the estimation of a sow's weight and would enables a more accurate determination of daily feed amounts.

The university scientists created a cloth tape with respective colour-coded sections, each of which corresponds to a certain weight.

A 'flank-to-flank' measurement involves measuring from immediately in front of the sow's back legs, over the back of the sow to the point of the other flank.

Once the weight group has been determined, a tool on the university's Department of Animal Sciences and Industry website can be used to determine correct feed amounts, said Tokach.