Labor friendly pigs a result of clear choices

A labor-friendly pig herd requires clear choices in breeding. Topigs Norsvin weighs characteristics that do not necessarily result in a higher number of piglets. They do contribute to robust, self-reliant pigs that require less labor and to a socially accepted sector.

High work performance has always been important in pig farming. It has become even more important in recent years. In many countries, pig farms are still increasing in size, which means more need for labor. At the same time, there is a general shortage of (qualified) personnel that is not easily resolved. 

Balanced breeding

For decades, Topigs Norsvin has been working on pigs that produce easily because of breeding choices and technical support. These include low mortality and self-reliant sows. In addition, the barn staff has fewer piglets to move to another sow or give the new-borns additional feed. 

That may sound simple, but it is not, emphasizes Ron Hovenier, service geneticist at Topigs Norsvin. “The easiest thing is to focus completely on maximum piglet production. That is the trait with the highest heritability and variation. Topigs Norsvin consciously chooses not to take the easiest way. Selection on characteristics such as stillborn piglets, maternal qualities, and number of teats is much more difficult. Some are even negatively correlated with live-born piglets. But in the long run, the producer has more benefits that way. It is the basis for balanced breeding with animals that are easier to keep and require less labor. This is also good for the social acceptance of the sector.”

Healthy pig herd

To work easily and with pleasure, a healthy pig herd is required. Topigs Norsvin therefore breeds for high general resistance and robustness, resulting in low mortality and animals that are easy to work with. “These pigs continue to perform, even if a disease spreads through the farm.” 

According to Hovenier, specific disease resistance does not lead to the required results. “It is unavoidable that sooner or later a pathogen will make the animal sick. In addition, disease resistancy is in general a recessive trait, meaning both parents must be negative. This limits the options for terminal boars.”

Technical support advisors help pig farmers exploit the potential of the sows and finishing pigs. “Sows in good condition, that produce for a long time, are good for both a higher yield and ease of work. To do this, everything on the farm must be right: from rearing gilts to biosecurity. Working on better results in cooperation with other advisors and people in the barn is really motivating”, Hovenier sees at pig farms all over the world.

Social behavior of pigs
 
According to Hovenier, the tradition of breeding on robust, self-reliant pigs started decades ago and will continue. Positive practical experiences from producers and specialists indicates to him they are on the right track. In the main global production areas, Topigs Norsvin systematically looks whether the chosen route is the right one and/or whether new genetic trends are needed. “That is a continuous process.”

Of all the interesting fields of research, he highlights one specific: using camera and analysis
techniques to gain insight into the social behavior of pigs. This can be included in the selection. “We already know that animals with a positive factor for social interaction do better in the group and show less aggression.” 

This is important as pig farming will continue to receive new welfare measures, such as entire tail preservation. In this way, breeding contributes to future tasks while also providing people with good results and job satisfaction.