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Data collection is one of the most important aspects of pig farming.
In fact, there are so many events in a sow's life that it is impossible for the farmer to remember them all. Many decisions are based on this data collection and subsequent processing and interpretation. Too often, the farmer underestimates the importance of this and believes that recording data on the cards is boring and a waste of time. But, without the data, we lack the economic or health references that allow us to identify critical points.
Today there are many computer programs on the market that use and process the most important data from the farm and also offer the option to print data sheets according to the production phase: breeding, farrowing, weaning, finishing...
But where do we put the card once printed? Obviously not in the office, far from the animals! It must be in the place where the events that need to be recorded are happening. This is where the problem arises. A sheet of paper, in a room with pigs, will not last long: humidity, temperature, water, flies, dust, and... pigs.
We must position the card as close as possible to the event to be recorded and the protection must not hinder writing. For example, if we use a transparent plastic cover, the card will be well protected and will be readable, but we will have to take it out every time we want to write.
This farm has found a good solution. There are many types of do-it-yourself sow card holders, but this one stands out for its simplicity and functionality.
They have used a sheet of aluminum, a little larger than an A4 sheet of paper, which they have folded on the long side, allowing it to be hung from the farrowing pen. They have stuck a transparent plastic sheet on top with reinforced tape. The paper card is also attached with double-sided tape, and that's it! Just lift the plastic sheet to write. It is always available to read and the paper is protected from the environment.
Quick notes can also be made on the plastic sheet with a permanent marker, without having to lift it. A hole in the aluminum allows for easy storage.
