DanBred Academy: On-farm Training

We’ve planned this visit to Denmark since I started in DanBred Spain. I believed there was a lot of valuable knowledge that I could gain, and that I could bring back to my work in Spain.

In Spain, a lot of my work is out in the farms providing advice and support to our partners. Of course, I want to make sure I have the most thorough knowledge, so I can help our partners in the best way – to make sure they can benefit from the full potential of DanBred genetics.

This way of learning worked really well for me, because it was very practical, and I got to see exactly how they did everything on the farms.

My training began with a visit to the DanBred headquarters in Ballerup, Denmark, where I was introduced to some of our experts and got a general overview of the structure of the Danish pig industry and some of the legislations that are in place. The following day, I visited SEGES Innovation and Danish Agriculture & Food Council in Copenhagen, Denmark. Here, I was introduced to DanBred’s huge R&D department and how they work professionally to constantly improve the breeding programme, what they’re currently working on, and what projects are in the pipeline. I also learned more about the Danish health and biosecurity system, and what legislations are in place here.

Afterwards, I followed two Danish vets for some routine visits to two farms – to follow their procedures and understand what kind of questions and challenges they face in their daily work. Then, the real On-farm Training could begin. I spent three days at Sneverholt production farm. This is a leading Danish production farm, who’s skilled and dedicated staff works systematically to achieve outstanding results year after year.

My last few days were spent with DanBred’s selection team, who taught me the specific things they look for every time they go into the stables for breeding stock selection.

I particularly learned that the world-class results, such as many liveborn, large litters of robust piglets that grow fast, and excellent meat quality in the finishers, are easily achieved by implementing simple management routines.

Some of the most important practical routines I learned – and that I will bring with me in my support of our partners in Spain – were in the weaner unit, e.g., how to manage feedings, how to wean the piglets etc. These are essential management procedures to implement to gain the full potential of the DanBred sows’ large litters. I also learned how to move piglets, how to create a nurse sow, what the most important steps are when the piglets are first born, and so much more.