Every pig counts when it comes to your profit

There is extra reason to celebrate when the number of weaned piglets increases. Of course, many liveborn piglets do not guarantee more weaned pigs. But it is a prerequisite that the piglet is born before it can be weaned.

This summer, Denmark saw a historically high pig price. The highest level in 25 years. This means there is a special financial advantage in having DanBred sows that deliver both more liveborn piglets and more weaned piglets that gets out of the herd.

More profit from more weaned piglets

Recent productivity results show that the DanBred sow gives birth to more live piglets, while piglet survival has increased by nearly one percentage point. This has resulted in nearly one extra weaned piglet per sow per year in 2024.

The value of one extra weaned piglet is approximately €40.3, based on the current pig price of €1.63 in Denmark. For a herd with 1,000 sows, that means €40,268 more in profit, assuming 2.23 litters per sow per year, a mortality rate of 14% during the nursing period, and 18.2 liveborn piglets per litter.

With both more liveborn piglets and significantly better piglet survival, DanBred herds get far more piglets out of the herd, which directly impacts profitability of the herd.

Even more value on its way

Since DanBred introduced sow survival in its breeding goals in 2024, more robust sows have been selected in the nucleus. This has led to an increase in sow survival of up to 10 percentage points across the three DanBred breeds.

This breeding progress is going to be reflected in production herds in the coming years, it will add further economic value on top of the increased number of weaned piglets. The value of improving sow survival is approximately €5.77 per percentage point.

Success depends on the interaction between management and genetics. Management initiatives that strengthen sow survival do not only contribute to more robust sows and better economics but also contribute to happier employees in the stable.

Sow longevity starts with correct feeding

It is important to ensure that the gilt gets a good start, as this directly affects her longevity throughout production. Make sure the gilt has the correct backfat thickness at mating by focusing on proper feeding. Phase feeding should be applied for gilts, where energy intake ensures slow and steady growth with the right mineral balance to maintain strong legs. It is also recommended that gilts are housed on slatted floors to ensure good leg strength.

Sows should be fed according to whether they are pregnant or lactating, as their nutritional needs vary. It can be very helpful to make the daily inspection of the sow a separate task, for example during feeding or cleaning of the pen.

DanBred’s manuals contain practical advice for all stages of the pig’s life, with easy guides. The manuals support work in the stable and help unlock the full potential of DanBred genetics.