Breeding goals (4/6): Reproduction and mothering ability

Reproduction

Reproduction is considered by both boar and sow fertility in the breeding programs.

In the sow lines, the sow effect on number of viable piglets at day one of farrowing is considered along with the boar fertility as the boar effect on the number of viable piglets at day one of farrowing. For Duroc breed, the boar fertility is considered as the boar effect on the number of viable piglets at day one of farrowing. These breeding goals improve the number of viable piglets per litter which have a beneficial effect on the profit and the environment as it  increases the number of piglets weaned per sow per year. Fewer sows needed to produce the same number of pigs result in a decreased amount of feed needed and less manure produced.

BREEDING GOALS FOR REPRODUCTION:

• Viable piglets one day after farrowing for the maternal lines
• Boar fertility for both the terminal and maternal lines

Mothering ability

Mothering ability aims to produce a super so w that can handle its own piglets, produce more meat per so w per year, give birth to strong and robust piglets, and is easy to handle.

In the category of mothering ability, the breeding goals are early growth, maternal defined as the genetic effect of the sow on the average daily gain from birth to 30 kg and piglet survival defined as the survival rate of the piglets until 21 days after farrowing in the maternal lines.

Market research shows that there is an increased focus on piglet survival and by direct selection for increased piglet survival, we secure high animal welfare. The breeding goal of piglet survival is defined as the percentage of alive piglets 21 days after farrowing in the litter. We deliver superior sows that can handle a high number of weaned piglets per sow per year through breeding goals for piglet survival, sow fertility of viable piglets at day one, and boar fertility.

The contribution of mothering ability to the sustainability of pork production is through robust piglets with a high survival rate that decrease the number of sows needed to produce the same number of weaned piglets and thereby the amount of meat produced. Less sows have a positive effect on both the environment and the economy since it reduces the resources needed as feed and space. Additionally, piglets with a high average daily gain from birth to 30 kg contribute to an increased profit and less environmental pollution since it reduces the days from birth to slaughter and thereby the resources that is needed.

BREEDING GOALS FOR MOTHERING ABILITY:

•  Piglet survival
•  Early growth, maternal

If you missed the last articles, you could find them here:

1. Breeding goals (1/6): Introduction and philosophy 
2. Breeding goals (2/6): Efficiency
3. Breeding goals (3/6): Robustness