TOPIGS genetics: 26.36 weaned piglets per sow per year

Dutch pig farmers with TOPIGS sows achieved an average production of 26.36 weaned piglets per year in 2007. Compared with 2006, this is an increase of 0.65 piglets. This picture emerged from the technical results of 942 farms with a total of more than 368,000 sows. The top 25% of farms realised an average of 28.52 piglets per sow in 2007.

A result of 30 or more piglets per sow per year was achieved at 22 farms. In 2006 only 9 farms achieved a result of 30 piglets or more.

Breeding for vitality works

From the 2007 results we can conclude that the approach of TOPIGS in the areas of piglet survival and piglet vitality has worked. In 2007, 12.75 piglets were born per litter, whereas in 2006 that was 12.47. An increase of 0.28 piglets per litter. The preweaning mortality fell slightly from 12.2% to 12.1%.

This goes against the widespread opinion that mortality will rise with increasing litter size. Therefore the increased litter size and the associated effect of a slightly lower birth weight of the piglets do not affect piglet vitality.

Or in other words, a larger litter with on average a lower birth weight does not result in a higher mortality.

The results were compiled using overviews from the sow management system sent in by sow managers. Data from breeding companies with in-house breeding that are linked to the Pigbase system of TOPIGS were also
incorporated into the overview.

Technical results TOPIGS sows 2007

	Average TOPIGS 2006	Average TOPIGS 2007	Top 25% breeding companies 2007
Number farms	768	942	235
Average number sows/farm	374	391	439
Live born piglets/litter	12.47	12.75	13.25
Preweaning piglet mortality (%)	12.2	12.1	11.0
Piglets weaner/litter	10.91	11.15	11.75
Breeding company litter index	2.36	2.37	2.42
Piglets weaned/sow/year	25.71	26.36	28.52