Why should you weigh your livestock?

Today, leading producers recognize that livestock weighing is an essential component of effective farm and ranch management. Capable and reliable, and yet so simple to use - Gallagher SmartScale provides a weighing solution that contributes to more profitability and takes the hassle out of livestock management.

The regular weighing of live animals is vital to increased productivity and profitability. Well-informed management decisions come from animal weight data that is easily obtained and accurate.

The Gallagher SmartScale range of superior single-animal scales allow producers to:

• Measure feed conversion by monitoring weight gain over time to maximize yield
  Well-informed management decisions are made for feed rationing to meet target weights by date. Information gained from the fast, accurate capture of body weight measurements from the SmartScale provides for more efficient use of time and resources on the farm and ranch.
  
   
• Monitor animal health
  Accurate measurement of body weight gives critical information about the health of the animal. Changes in body weight can provide an early indication of animal health problems.
  
   
• Confirm animal weights prior to breeding
  The live weight and condition of the animal can have significant impact on the breeding performance.
  
   
• Determine weaning weights
  The future performance of the animal can be directly linked to the weight and maturity of the animal at the time of weaning. Monitoring of animal weight close to weaning with the highly accurate results from a SmartScale provides the most efficient means to maximizing the future returns from animals.
  
   
• Select animals by weight for sale and slaughter
  Sorting by weight for slaughter insures that maximum profits are returned to the grower by accurate selection of animals based on weight.
  
   
• Evaluate breeding performance for genetic selection
  Accurately tracking growth rates of progeny over time provides vital information for genetic selection and improvements in breeding performance.
  
   
• Maximize the benefits of having animals fitted with Electronic Ear Tags
  A direct interface between Electronic Ear Tag readers and the SmartScale range of weighscales provides a significant opportunity to improve farm and ranch management practice. Error free identification of animals prevents incomplete or inaccurate records of animal number and weight information. Automatic ear tag scanning and hands free weighing of animals reduces labor requirements at the weighing site. Automated sorting systems result in complete hands free animal handling in the yards.