title: Computer simulation of costs and benefits of segregated early weaning (SEW) in a vertical pork production chain.
abstract: A simulation model was developed to quantify costs and benefits of segregated early weaning (SEW) compared to standard pork production in a vertically integrated system. The computer model considers the farrowing, fattening and slaughtering stage as well as the transportation of pigs between these stages. Input parameters relate to both biological and economic variables which were varied within a normal bandwith (sensitivity analysis, high and low level). Model output concerns the production costs per slaughter-pig in each stage and for the chain as a whole. With standard pork production the costs per head accounted for [symbol: see text] 131.72. 28% of the total chain production costs were raised by the farrowing stage, 15% by weaning-to-fattening period (28 kg live weight) and 57% by the fattening stage (> 28 until 115 kg). Despite higher expenses for facilities, transportation and labour, SEW reduced the total chain production cost to [symbol: see text] 128.02 (low) and [symbol: see text] 121.32 (high) per head due to higher biological performance, lower medication and reduced fixed costs per unit. N- and P-excretion diminished by 13%. The results indicate that SEW may be an effective and beneficial alternative which meets some of the demands of pig producers and consumers such as effective production, good health and food safety.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Tierzucht und Tierhaltung der Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Kiel. jkrieter@tierzucht.uni-kiel.de
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krieter
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods; D018803:Models, Economic; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014886:Weaning