Producers often overlook the importance of data. Without it, you don’t know when a problem arises or improves. From the very beginning, create an easy to implement data collection system.
Keep the data collection sheets simple. They should be located at the end of the aisle on a clipboard with an attached pen. Make sure barn workers know how important these data sheets are.
Data fields to track should include mortality, number of floor eggs and number of system eggs. When you notice a significant increase in these numbers in any category, barn walkers should be able to show you where most are occurring and at what time of day. Both can be helpful to industry experts to assist you with the given issues.
For example, if you have increased floor eggs, your sheet should tell you when the issue started to escalate and the percentage of floor eggs that is occurring. If the barn workers are also able to tell you where and when they are laid, this can be helpful for combating the issue.