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Achieving a long, productive life for sows is essential for sustainable and profitable pig production. While genetics play an important role in building the foundation for robust and resilient pigs, management practices are the deciding factor in whether a sow reaches her full productive potential. Ultimately, it is the combined effect of modern genetics and efficient management that leads to lasting success.
Sow survival is a key parameter in sow herds across the world, and genetics contribute significantly. Heritability estimates range from 0.01 to 0.10, meaning 1-10% of survival outcomes can be directly attributed to genetics. Focused attention on production practices can be the additional deciding factor for success. Supporting the positive impact of modern genetics through simple yet effective management practices pave the way for success and creates a synergy that promotes robust sows with long, productive lives.
Balanced breeding improves robustness
Breeding for robustness significantly influences global pig production by ensuring healthy and resilient pigs that live long, productive lives. With remarkable productivity increases in pigs over the last decade, robustness has become even more important.
The breeding programme used on-farm should be designed to deliver new generations of pigs that not only perform well but also become stronger and more resilient under diverse conditions.
Breeding goals must be balanced to ensure consistent genetic progress in both robustness and productivity. Focusing on fundamental traits such as feed efficiency, survival, and reproduction maximises genetic progress, for the benefit of pig producers.
A balanced breeding goal emphasises improved performance while also prioritising survival and conformation. The result is enhanced overall robustness of both piglets and sows. By breeding directly for survival, universal robustness is improved, as the selection also targets stronger immunity and resilience, supporting better health and increased longevity.
Combining genetics and management
The synergy between genetics and management ultimately leads to success. While breeding can enhance traits such as survival, robustness, and productivity, it is the daily care, early interventions, and strategic decisions on the farm that ensure these traits translate into longer, healthier, and more productive sow lives.
Producers who successfully combine robust genetics with excellent sow management practices will be rewarded with sows that stay in the herd longer, wean more piglets, and contribute to a more profitable and sustainable operation.
As mentioned, 1-10% of sow survival is linked to genetics, which is why farm management plays a significant role. Establishing consistent routines for feeding and care will support long, productive sow lives.
Gilts, the future of production, should be raised under ideal conditions. Each new gilt is genetically superior to the sow she replaces, making a strong start essential for long-term herd success.
Beyond genetics: Drivers of sow longevity
Modern genetics emphasise rapid growth, feed efficiency, and leanness, which are essential for finisher production. However, strong gilts require slower growth to achieve the optimal body condition that is needed for long-term success.
This may seem contradictory to modern genetics, but the solution is simple: Focus on feeding your gilts for their future role to support sustained productivity.
Gilts should be phase-fed with diets that are carefully balanced in protein and lysine to limit excessive lean growth and encourage ideal fat deposition at mating. Energy intake should be managed to promote slow, steady growth, and the diets should include a balanced mineral profile to support strong bones and legs.
It is recommended that gilts intended for breeding be housed on solid and drained flooring to support leg strength and good conformation. Avoid the use of plastic slats after weaning. Reducing stocking density to provide more space can promote healthy muscle development. Additionally, consistent and gentle daily handling can help socialise gilts, reducing stress as they transition into production.
During gestation and lactation, sows should be fed according to the specific needs of each production stage. It is also helpful to make daily inspections a separate task. A quick round among the sows during feeding or pen cleaning allows for early intervention. If needed, move affected sows to a hospital pen to promote faster recovery.
Focused goals deliver measurable results
Decades of focused breeding have delivered world-class results for DanBreds partners across the globe. The breeding goals may appear simple – this is intentional, as the simplicity of the breeding goals drives powerful outcomes.
The approach focuses on breeding goal traits that have a direct impact on production results. One example is sow survival, a trait introduced into the breeding goal in 2024. The aim is straightforward: to ensure a long, productive life for each sow in the herd.
Prioritising traits such as sow survival and conformation ensures robust pigs with high survival rates and improved overall health. While the goal is simple, the data and calculations behind it are highly advanced. Including data from commercial herds makes the process more accurate and enables faster genetic progress. The genetic advancements result in tangible outcomes.
Translating genetic potential
In the pursuit of sustainable and profitable pig production, true power lies in combining genetic potential with exceptional management. For decades, DanBred has excelled at focusing on clear breeding goals and implementing thoughtful, evidence-based on-farm practices. This enables producers to unlock the full productivity of their breeding stock – effectively turning genetic potential into documented, lasting performance.
Authors:
Lizette Vestergaard Horndrup and Trine Lund Pedersen, DanBred
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Danbred Partner Profile
DanBred is one of the world’s leading international pig breeding companies. We aim to create value for pig producers in everything we do, therefore, we continuously optimise on areas such as sustainable productivity, biosecurity, animal welfare and meat quality – just to mention a few. Our well-documented genetics and comprehensive service solutions have made us the first choice for leading pig producers all over the world. Visit Danbred.com to learn more!