Uniformity/Weight trends
It is recommended that a step-on scale be installed in the barn. The scale should be calibrated regularly, suspended at the correct height and allowed to swing only slightly, so that the animals can step onto it unaided. Farms without a step-on scale should regularly check the herd’s growth and development manually, taking the animals’ age into account. To this end, a representative sample of the herd (if possible, 20 animals, or at any rate always the same number following a consistent procedure) should be weighed regularly to monitor weight development and growth, the attainment of slaughter weight and reactions to factors such as changes in feed. Due to seasonal temperature fluctuations, variations in weight may occur as a result of changes in feed intake². To prevent the herd from becoming uneven in growth and thus reduce the risk of inadequate nutrition for weaker animals, it is important that the herd gains weight as uniformly as possible.
Deviating condition
The herd’s weight development and/or uniformity does not meet the breeding company’s specifications or internal benchmarks.
Measures
Heat stress: Check the temperature and ventilation settings in the barn, taking into account the outside temperature (current and over the last few days)
Bedding: Check the quantity and quality of the bedding (see the section on bedding)
Equipment: ensure all technical systems are in working order and operating at the correct settings
Assess feed and water quality: see the ‘Water’ and ‘Feed’ sections
Incidence of infection (subclinical)
Low weights reflect the progress of the fattening process; therefore, the barn record or interim evaluations should be reviewed for possible causes during the fattening period. It is advisable to consult the herd advisor and, if there are indications of an infection, the vet.