By studying the underlying genetics and phenotypic relationships between different traits for better sow lifetime productivity, we aim to present new findings and applications for a more efficient and sustainable swine industry, the partners said in a news release.
The aim is to extends sow productivity so not as many replacements will be needed.
The majority of the research will take place at Bon Accord, Hypor’s nucleus breeding farm located in Ituna, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Relevant data from other Hypor dam-line nucleus units will also be used.
The partners will collect detailed information on weight, growth, feed intake, and feeding behavior of gilts/sows during development and gestation.
One aspect will reveal the factors that influence age at puberty and another will provide insights into optimal weight at service and farrowing to optimize litter size, milk production, litter growth and second parity litter performance.
By implementing new technologies for gathering individual data on group housed sows such as measuring weight development during the life of the sow, or feed intake during lactation, we can make more accurate selection decisions, which have the potential to improve sow lifetime productivity, the partners said.
Results from the project may lead to enhanced rearing and management practices for better productivity at the commercial level for Hypor customers.
According to Abe Huisman, director of research and development for Hypor, “improved sow lifetime productivity is just one aspect of creating a more sustainable swine industry.
“By understanding the traits that lead to optimized litter performance, we aim to deliver enhanced efficiency at the commercial level.
“The ultimate goal of our research is to produce actionable results that can contribute to a more sustainable industry.”
Hypor is a division of Hendrix Genetics, a global livestock and poultry genetics company with head offices in the Netherlands.
