Pioneering animal welfare: Innova Canada

Topigs Norsvin is committed to improving the genetics of its pigs to enhance animal welfare through the innovative Innova Canada. This cutting-edge genetic nucleus farm, located in Manitoba, Canada, is dedicated to breeding the Z-Line. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, it enables focus on different aspects of welfare and innovation, such as observing behavior, free farrowing, cameras for data collection, customizing the automated feeder, and more.

According to Claude Verrier, Genetic Nucleus Production Manager, the Innova Canada nucleus will benefit from the years of experience and knowledge of their colleagues in Europe. “Europe has been at the forefront of animal welfare initiatives and has already made significant advancements with these systems. By adapting these new technologies to our location, we aim to improve the environment for our (Maternal Z-line) sows.”

Investing in welfare
To aid the journey towards better animal welfare, investments were made throughout the facility. As Verrier explains: “We decided to stay with the stall-system for breeding after which they are moved into one of the group pens which have open gestation. This allows the sows to walk freely so they have exercise and enrichment. Sows are fed twice daily. They stay in gestation until 3 to 4 days pre-farrow, after which they will move to our free farrowing area in the farrowing department. Once they farrow the sow and her piglets can walk around freely, piglets can start suckling or find comfort in the free farrowing heated nanny, where they are free from drafts or chilling.”

Individual feeding
Innova Canada also incorporates a user friendly Maximus feed system, which allows for endless programming options for each individual sow. This technology is made possible through RFID scanning, which makes it easy for employees to adjust digitally. The feed system also has two water sources for each sow, including a water drinker and the option to add water to the feeder for wet feeding.

Benefiting from Norwegian experience

For over two decades, both herd health and productivity have been fundamental aspects in regards to Norway’s view on animal welfare. The country requires loose housing of sows by law, and Innova Canada takes advantage of the knowledge and experience gained by their Norwegian partners. Dan Olsen, Topigs Norsvin geneticist based in Norway, explains: “

Our position in Norway allowed us to have a long-term perspective on defining breeding goals. In Norway we realized early on that prioritizing animal welfare is always more cost-effective in the long run. Innova Canada holds great potential, particularly for Norway where the smaller size of farms makes it harder to finance the investment required for large data collection. However, the ability to use cameras and machine-learning based on data will greatly improve the quality of life for the sows and our selection process.”

The combination of knowledge in Norway and knowledge gathered in Innova Canada presents a unique opportunity for the future of TN70 sows. Olsen adds: “The combined knowledge leverages the strengths of each, allowing both to learn from each other and attain the best of both worlds. All countries are moving towards better animal welfare, and it is crucial to maintain the position of delivering the best.”