Animals as a business.
WHAT DETERMINES PROFITABILITY
Feed cost, which usually dominates Mortality Growth rate or production rate Price received
WHY FEED DOMINATES
It is the largest cost in nearly every livestock enterprise.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Feed cost per unit of output.
WHY THAT MEASURE
It is the central efficiency indicator.
WHAT AFFECTS IT
Feed quality Feeding practice and waste Animal health Genetics
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether to buy feed or produce it.
WHAT PRODUCING IT PROVIDES
Lower cost and control of quality.
WHAT IT REQUIRES
Land, equipment and knowledge.
WHAT MORTALITY COSTS
Everything invested in that animal, with no return.
WHAT REDUCES IT
Biosecurity Vaccination Clean water Adequate space Early detection of illness
WHY BIOSECURITY MATTERS MOST
Disease entering a flock or herd can destroy it entirely.
WHAT BIOSECURITY MEANS
Controlling what and who enters Separating new animals before introducing them Cleaning and disinfection Preventing contact with other stock
WHAT TO RECORD
Numbers, mortality, feed consumed, treatments, production.
WHY
It is how problems are detected early.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
A relationship with a veterinarian, before you need one.
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
Disease outbreaks, and what you would do.
