Livestock
Livestock weighing &
animal identification systems
Today ' s top livestock farmers state that weighing livestock regularly is an integral part of proper animal farming; procedures are simple and the modern equipment is user friendly. �e bene ts include better livestock management and increased pro ts. �e data collected a�er weighing animals can be used in making accurate management decisions. For example, you will know what animal breeds are best for rearing. At the same time, you can modify your feeding patterns and approaches to improve productivity. �e following are advantages of proper weighing:
1. Monitor animal health As unhealthy animals usually have decreased weight gain, you can easily detect a sick animal by monitoring its weight. When you note a slight change in its weight, you can have it treated early and avert a dangerous disease. When it is cured, you eliminate the risk of having the disease spread to other animals. �is effectively reduces losses.
2. Know weights before breeding Animals should be bred at certain optimal weights and conditions. You will make decisions that are more accurate through the regular weighing of the animals. Otherwise, you may not be able to identify the right time to breed an animal just by observing it.
3. Measure feed conversion When you correctly monitor the weight gain, you will know the feed conversion rates. �is helps in determining the right feed portions. �is way, you avoid overfeeding the animal when the feed is unnecessary. Actually, you can set and achieve certain growth rates at certain dates.
4. Decide proper weaning time Calves should be included in proper animal weighing. You can predict the future growth of the calf by looking at the graph of its past performance. �is information helps determine the right time to wean calves of the same breed.
5. Evaluate breeding performance By weighing all animals regularly, you can easily tell those breeds that gain weight faster. Your future genetic selection relies on this data. For example, you can produce a cross breed of 2 animals that you know grow fast.
6. Maximise bene ts Since each livestock scale is automatic, less labour is needed in the handling of the animals. In addition, traditional scales may not re ect the actual animal weights. Take advantage of the modern scales, as they are error-free.
�e Ghallagher Livestock Management System Rudd Products, sole distributor of the New
Zealand based Gallagher livestock weighing systems in South Africa offers a fully functional workshop, excellent sales and a�er sales service. Gallagher offers farmers a complete animal management system to help you monitor and maximize the performance of your animals and extract more pro t from your farm. �e Gallagher range of readers, weigh scales, loadbars and accessories are fully compatible offering a wide range of capability and a system that will match your farm ' s requirements. Gallagher weighing and EID products are distinguished in the market by their advanced features and tough, farm ready design.
According to Lisa Williams, Manager at Rudd,“ �e Gallagher range of Livestock Equipment is a result of years of research and development into the changing needs of the farmer as well as the Feedlot and Stud industry. Gallagher offers a range of equipment from basic easy to operate to a full database, electronic ID and weigh system.”“ �e Gallagher Livestock Management system is tough, robust equipment, designed and manufactured for on farm conditions. �e best quality you can invest in”, she adds. �e system is made up of a weigh scale indicator and a set of two weight sensing loadbars or four weigh feet, which are usually positioned under a platform or handler. �ey are waterproof, dustproof, shockproof. �ey have heavy duty cables with spring wire protection, as well as robust waterproof plugs.
January- February 2017
FARMERS
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