All day to day management tasks at Yakatan are recorded on a monthly calender. Things we record include observed matings, new cavy purchases, worm and lice treatments, sow parturitions as well as any other incidental observations. Ideally we would like to use a computer database to record this information. However, at this stage we find it more convenient to use a pencil and paper format - mainly due to its transportable nature. Examples from our calender are included below:
After much playing around on the computer, we finally decided on a suitable pedigree form for our animals. We decided to retain the 4 generation style as we ourselves have found such information to be useful. All information is entered via computer and whilst we do not have a formal pedigree software program as yet - the task is not too arduous with a bit of persistent cutting and pasting. On the backs of all sows pedigree forms we also print a breeding profile. In this profile we record information such as the boars the sow has been put with and for how long, the parturition dates, litter size, distribution of boars and sows within the litter, occurrance of Dals, DaBB's or micropthalmics and quality of Dals born (ie. showable or non showable). A copy of the pedigree is included below:
Another aspect of our record keeping involves recording weekly weights of all our cavies. This information is recorded via pencil and paper and is then periodically entered into the computer. We use this information to monitor both condition and pregnancy within our cavies. For more information on this part of our record keeping please visit our Weight Stats Page.