When more piglets survive the first weeks of life and are weaned strong and robust, value is created throughout the entire production chain. For producers, improved maternal rearing ability in the sow can contribute to more weaned pigs, a reduced need for nurse sows, and a more stable production.
New results from the breeding nucleus show that since 2022, DanBred Landrace sows have improved their ability to rear piglets to day 21 by 1.5 piglets, while DanBred Yorkshire sows have improved by 1 piglet. This development supports the direction DanBred is working towards: documented genetic progress, more robust pigs, and better results in practice.
Behind this development are strong maternal traits, milk production, and piglet survival – characteristics that together contribute to producing more strong and healthy pigs at weaning.
“When you consider that these are purebred sows with purebred piglets, I think it is quite remarkable how well the sow cares for her piglets – and how quickly we can see the improvement in maternal rearing ability in the breeding herds,” says Tage Ostersen, Head of Breeding & Genetics at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council.
The development in sow maternal ability within the breeding nucleus has made it clear to several breeding herds that the DanBred sow has even greater potential than previously expected.
Strong maternal traits
Maternal ability became part of the breeding goal for the DanBred Landrace and DanBred Yorkshire sow lines in spring 2025. However, strong maternal traits have always been a natural characteristic of both breeds. The 2025 update marks an increased focus on improving sow maternal ability and ensuring that more robust piglets are successfully weaned.
Even before maternal rearing ability was included in the breeding goal, progress was already evident. This is because maternal rearing ability is genetically favourably correlated with piglet survival and early growth in the farrowing unit, traits that have long been part of the breeding goal. The significant improvement in piglet survival achieved by DanBred pigs has therefore had a positive impact on the sow’s maternal rearing ability.
“The improvement we have seen in the breeding nucleus over recent years is what producers will experience in their own herds going forward. In fact, I am already hearing from several producers who can see an increase in pigs weaned per litter. As maternal rearing ability improves, we also expect the need for nurse sows to decrease,” says Tage.
