Tag Archives: profitability

140–174 A. Benabderrahmane, N. Souiher, K. Souiher and S. Chinoune
Economic analysis of intensive sheep fattening models: application of SWOT and Porter’s five forces methods to fatteners in the steppe areas of Algeria
Abstract |

Full text PDF (1 MB)

Economic analysis of intensive sheep fattening models: application of SWOT and Porter’s five forces methods to fatteners in the steppe areas of Algeria

A. Benabderrahmane¹*, N. Souiher¹, K. Souiher¹ and S. Chinoune²

¹Houari Boumediene Sciences and Technology University - FSTGAT - USTHB, Department of Geography and Territorial Planning, BP 32 El Alia,16111 Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria
²University Ziane Achour of Djelfa Moudjbara Road, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Department of Earth and Universe Sciences, PB: 3117 Djelfa 17000, Djelfa, Algeria
*Correspondence: benabderrahmanali@yahoo.fr

Abstract:

The present study provides a comprehensive economic assessment of intensive sheep-fattening systems in the steppe region of Djelfa, Algeria. SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces are used in conjunction with advanced multivariate methodologies to create an integrated framework that incorporates economic, strategic, and quantitative viewpoints. Based on a 2024 field survey of 371 farms, three economic models are developed, distinguished by flock size and fattening phase. The results reveal a consistent improvement in profitability with larger flocks: net profit margins vary from 23.81 to 41.88 USD per head, with economic return rates of 64% to 80%. Feed expenses are the largest cost component (43–52%), emphasising producers’ reliance on external inputs and vulnerability to feed price volatility.

A positive and significant effect of flock size and fattening duration on profitability is confirmed by multiple regression, MANOVA, path analysis, and logistic regression, while price volatility exerts a negative impact. Large-scale enterprises benefit from economies of scale and stronger bargaining positions, whereas smaller farms remain vulnerable. The study calls for: (i) targeted support for small-scale fatteners, (ii) the promotion of sustainable management practices, and (iii) the organization of cooperative value chains to enhance regional competitiveness. By combining economic, strategic, and quantitative perspectives, this investigation offers novel insights into the determinants of profitability and sustainability in sheep-fattening systems across steppe environments.

Key words:

economic model, intensive fattening, Porter’s Five Forces, profitability, sustainability, SWOT analysis

5-14 T. Banhazi, M. Dunn, A. Banhazi, J. Reixach, A. Ramon-Perez, P. Llonch and J. Maselyne
Sub-clinical respiratory infection identified on farms by monitoring weight changes of pigs with the Weight-Detect instrument
Abstract |

Full text PDF (691 KB)

Sub-clinical respiratory infection identified on farms by monitoring weight changes of pigs with the Weight-Detect instrument

T. Banhazi¹²*, M. Dunn¹, A. Banhazi¹, J. Reixach³, A. Ramon-Perez⁴, P. Llonch⁴ and J. Maselyne⁵

¹InnoTech Vision ApS., Niels Pedersens Alle 2, 8830 Tiele, Denmark
²Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, ul. Chełmońskiego 38C,
PL51-630 Wroclaw, Poland
³Selección Batallé S.A., Av. dels Segadors, s/n 17421 Riudarenes, Girona, Spain
⁴Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Plaça Cívica, Campus de la UAB, ES08193 Bellaterra, Sardañola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
⁵ILVO, Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 92/1, BE 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
*Correspondence: thomas.banhazi@plfag.com

Abstract:

The essential task of growth rate monitoring of pigs is usually undertaken on farms using electronic scales, but new technologies are now available to continuously monitor the weight of pigs. One of these systems (Weight-Detect, WD, PLF Agritech, Brisbane, Australia) has been introduced on a commercial pig farm in Spain as part of the EU funded aWISH project to (1) assess the applicability of the technology and (2) use this information to assess the general welfare status of pigs. The WD unit was installed in early 2024 and manual weight recordings were undertaken periodically using an electronic scale to validate the WD system. In terms of absolute values, the manual measurements indicated that the WD system was able to predict the average pen weight of the pigs with 1.7% (2.0 kg) precision. More importantly, this case study demonstrated that the WD unit was able to detect weight reduction in pigs six days before the clinical signs of a respiratory disease infection were noticed. According to the WD measurements the study pigs achieved an average daily gain (ADG) of 882 g d^-1 between the 20/03/24 and 16/04/2024. However, between the 17/4/2024 and 30/04/2024 their ADG dropped dramatically to 286 g d^-1. The animals were diagnosed with respiratory disease on the 22/04/24, six days after the dramatic reduction in ADG was recorded by the WD system. This period of ADG stagnation has caused an approximate 14-day delay in reaching the desired slaughter weight, (approx. 130 kg), potentially creating significant financial losses for the producer. After the 1/05/24 pigs recovered and achieved an ADG of 645 g d^-1 until their last recorded weighing day on the 20/5/24. These results highlight the WD system’s ability to alert livestock managers about impending health problems before clinical signs appear, so appropriate mitigation measures can be implemented to reduce the negative impacts on welfare and production performance.

Key words:

ICT tools, image analysis, profitability, smart technologies, weight detection

407-411 L. Talgre, E. Lauringson, V. Vasar and H. Roostalu
The effect of pests on the yield and economical value of cereals
Abstract |

Full text PDF (41 KB)

The effect of pests on the yield and economical value of cereals

L. Talgre¹, E. Lauringson¹, V. Vasar² and H. Roostalu¹

¹ Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,Kreutzwaldi St. 64, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; tel. +372-7-313522, e-mail: liina.talgre@emu.ee
² Research Centre EVIKA Tallinn University of Technology,Teaduse 6a, 75501 Saku, Harjumaa, Estonia

Abstract:

Abstract: One of the most serious factors that limit the yield of cereal crops is fungal diseases. In the Estonian University of Life Sciences field trials with various spray programs of fungicides were conducted to determine the efficacy and economical value of different pesticide combinations. The spray programs with full dose rates of fungicides were not always economically justified nor were the multiple application systems. Yield increase up to 35% in spring wheat and up to 33% in barley was achieved when the timing of pesticide application was optimal and the crop stand was good and had high yield potential. The dominating disease in spring wheat on both trial years was Septoria spp. The best control was provided by fungicide Opera (active ingredients pyraclostrobin and epoxiconazole). Barley was infected mostly by Pyrenophora teres. The economical efficiency of disease control depended primarily on the weather conditions, crop stand and the quality of cereals. Application of pesticides was economically more effective in spring wheat. Therefore multiple application programs with more expensive pesticides can be recommended. The dense crop stand and an environment favorable for distribution of diseases increased the efficacy of fungicides on barley.

Key words:

fungicides, profitability, spray programs, weather conditions

99–110 N. Vasiliev, A. Astover, H. Roostalu and E. Matveev
An agro-economic analysis of grain production in Estonia after its transition to market economy
Abstract |

Full text PDF (140 KB)

An agro-economic analysis of grain production in Estonia after its transition to market economy

N. Vasiliev¹, A. Astover¹, H. Roostalu¹ and E. Matveev²

¹Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 64, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: nivas@emu.ee
²Rural Economy Research Centre, Jäneda, Lääne-Virumaa, 73602, Estonia

Abstract:

For analysing agronomic efficiency and economic criteria, the results of variety comparison tests of cereals, performed in Estonia during twenty years, national statistics and the data of the survey of the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) for 2000–2003 were summarised. Farms whose grain production contributed more than 75% to total output were selected for analysis. At present only ~40–50% of the real yield potential of cereals is realised. In case of oilseed rape the utilisation of the yield potential is 60–65%. Among the cereals, the largest share is accounted for by barley with 25–43% and wheat with 15–29%. During four years (2000–2003), total inputs increased 21%. Total inputs were the highest in large farms. As an average for 2000–2003 FADN grain producers were profitable in all size groups but consideration of total labour costs indicates that small grain farms were unprofitable. Average farm family income was 1,376 EEK ha^-1. There is a non-linear relationship between farm size and economic indicators. Farm family income increases up to ~400 ha. The increase is most significant in the size range 40–200 ha where the increase in farm size by one hectare increases profit by 7.6 EEK ha^-1. Further increase will decelerate profit and the most efficient use of labour occurs in this size range as well. Cost benefit is the highest for farm size ranging from ~150 to 400 ha. Profit decreases with the increase in one annual work unit by 508 EEK ha^-1 and production becomes unprofitable in case a grain farm employs more than 2.6 workers per 100 ha.

Key words:

FADN, fertilisers, grain farms, profitability, yield potential