Tag Archives: profitability

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
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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.

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

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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
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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.

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