Thygrisen has made a strong start following a total herd reset in 2025, which included a change to DanBred genetics. Christian and Anja Hvelplund wanted more liveborn piglets and a higher lean meat percentage, and they can already see their DanBred sows delivering on these goals.
As you walk through the barns, everything is calm. In the farrowing unit, the sows lie peacefully while the piglets get a drink of milk, and in the mating and gestation units, the sows look up curiously or come closer to see if you have brought something tasty.
Thygrisen located in Denmark has 1,450 DanBred sows and can feel that they are now gaining full control of management after the change – even though the difference turned out to be greater than expected.
Christian Hvelplund runs Thygrisen together with his brother Erik Hvelplund, who is responsible for crop production. Christian’s wife, Anja, has overall responsibility for the sow herd. Her experience therefore plays an important role in the daily work, and especially during the herd reset in 2025, when they switched to DanBred.
New routines comes with new genetics
A disappointing lean meat percentage was the primary reason behind the decision to change genetics in connection with the total reset. On the other hand, it was a major task to get so many gilts through quarantine and gestation with a new genetic profile. However, they are already seeing positive results all the way around.
Despite the many services, they have seen virtually no returns, although they did have to learn the sows’ oestrus signs. In late summer 2025, the first farrowings took place, and although it was busy, everything went according to plan. Both Anja and Christian were prepared for differences in genetics, but they were still surprised by how large the differences were and which adjustments were required. Along the way, they have therefore made adjustments to find routines that work for both their sows and their employees – with support from skilled advisors.
Feed consultant Flemming Laursen from Vilofoss, pig production advisor Henrik Bech Pedersen from Ceva, and communication consultant Henrik Henriksen from DanBred have each helped Thygrisen with advice on additional lighting, the right feed, and adapting their finisher facilities to serve as quarantine for gilts.
“They have a strong team and a well-thought-out housing system. In general, they are open to suggestions while keeping the concept as simple as possible – and that works really well,” says Henrik Henriksen from DanBred.
More than enough milk
One positive surprise has been the sows’ impressive milk production. The DanBred sows produce more milk than the previous genetics, and there are no issues with getting them to nurse many piglets.
“The milk is literally flowing – that’s something we’re not used to! We rarely find non-functional teats, and they are more than capable of nursing many piglets,” Anja explains.
As a rule, sows are set up with 15–16 piglets, regardless of the number of teats. Some sows are given 17 piglets if Anja assesses that they can handle it. Currently, the herd averages 15 piglets weaned per litter.
The staff also spend very little time assisting farrowings, as the sows manage well on their own and average only 0.8 stillborn piglets per litter. Results in the farrowing unit are promising, and even the smallest piglets thrive. At the same time, Thygrisen has chosen not to castrate piglets – neither medically nor surgically.
“All pigs must meet the quality we want ourselves in the barn,” says Christian, referring also to the fact that they run a full-line production.
They finish 80% of the piglets themselves and deliver them to Tican, while the remaining 20% are sold to nearby finisher producers who also supply Tican. Thygrisen experiences no challenges producing entire males and therefore sees no reason for the extra work or unnecessary stress of castration – keeping it as simple as possible.
High quality and the right housing system
Very little remains of the original housing system on the farm. Thygrisen has therefore designed the facilities according to their own ideas. The layout allows for smaller groups, resulting in fewer leg injuries and less fighting.
The quality of the gilts supplied by Vestsalling multiplier herd is satisfactory, and the same applies to the collaboration with owner Klaus Bjerre. He is one of DanBred’s suppliers, and Christian was already familiar with his good reputation. For that reason, he continues to source gilts from Vestsalling.
No gilt without feed
Thygrisen produces all feed for their pigs themselves. They maintain a simple feeding concept without additives but ensure top quality and adjust rations based on analysis to meet the pigs’ needs. The grain must be thoroughly cleaned – and the same applies to the water.
“I know that if we take good care of the sow, she will take good care of the piglets. And that means the grain must be cleaned and of good quality,” Christian emphasizes.
When it comes to gilts, particular attention is paid to backfat depth. Development is monitored through both scanning and weighing, and cake or candy is included as part of the diet.
“Gilts have the genetic potential for rapid growth and a high lean meat percentage. That’s why we pay close attention to feeding our gilts so they achieve sufficient backfat before first service and keep monitoring them,” Anja explains, adding that they feel they have found sensible solutions.
Strong women on the team
The farm employs both Danish and Ukrainian staff and has recently taken on four Danish apprentices. Most employees have many years of service, and many of them are women who actively sought out the workplace – possibly a sign that the trend is shifting.
“Some of them came as trainees through agricultural college and chose to switch from cattle to pigs. We want to help the next generation of farmers into the profession – and we think they’re doing a great job,” Christian says.
Following the herd reset, there has been increased focus on biosecurity, including the installation of a combination of UV light and filtration from SKOV to purify the air entering the barns, reducing the risk of disease. At the same time, focus remains on daily routines. They hold each other accountable for agreements, and tasks are generally handled immediately rather than postponed or left for the next shift. Too much can be lost in communication, or simply forgotten.
Christian and Anja have many years of experience and have established routines that work. New employees therefore need to see themselves fitting into the existing setup. New ideas are always welcome, but in general they know what works for them.
Close cooperation with DanBred
Competent and accessible advisory support is also an important factor when choosing genetics, Anja emphasizes. Throughout the process, communication consultant Henrik Henriksen from DanBred has acted as a sparring partner.
According to Henrik Henriksen, being available is an essential part of the job – even when customers call with problems. Addressing challenges early makes it easier to get back on track quickly and see results.
Thygrisen is satisfied with the decision to change genetics, and after a busy 2025 marked by a total herd reset and new genetics, they enter 2026 with confidence and peace of mind.
