Farms.com Home   News

Balanced breeding by Topigs Norsvin works: Every extra piglet born is also weaned

Recent farm data from Norway show that the number of liveborn piglets born per litter has improved by 1.1 in the last four years (2015-2019). The same data show that the number of weaned piglets also improved with 1.1. At the same time, pre-weaning mortality was reduced. The independent statistical organisation Ingris gathered these farm data, and almost all of the 31,726 sows in the database are Topigs Norsvin TN70.
 
The data are another proof that the breeding philosophy of Topigs Norsvin is working: Every piglet born must also be weaned at the sow. By not only breeding for big litters but also taking in account the robustness and vitality of the piglets and the mothering abilities of the sows, it is possible to produce more pigs per sow per year without increasing losses. The fact that a sow now has an average of 0.7 teats more than four years ago is an example of improved mothering abilities.
 
 
The strong and vigorous pigs also have a problem-free start of production which pays off during the whole production phase: fewer losses during finishing, more efficient feed use, fewer health problems and labor input.
 
In this way, the breeding goals of Topigs Norsvin contribute not only to higher production but also to higher and better - so a more profitable - pig production. It combines this with fulfilling the demands of society by contributing to better animal welfare and more sustainable production.
Source : topigsnorsvin

Trending Video

FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.