DanBred dam line

What response are you seeing from the DanBred dam line following the latest changes in your selection objectives in pursuit of greater robustness?

Everyone knows that from 2018 to 2022 we focused on improving finishing parameters. We achieved spectacular results of around 100 g in conversion, but since 2022 we have changed our approach, seeking greater survival and robustness in the animals. The first selection criterion introduced was piglet survival in 2022. In the following two years, two more piglets were weaned on DanBred farms thanks to this improvement in survival, not because of more piglets being born.

The next robustness criterion we introduced was sow survival. The initial results are also here, with a 1% decrease in sow mortality. Over the next few years, the forecast is to maintain the same level of improvement, 1% per year.

This year we have introduced a new criterion, which is milk production capacity, which ultimately means litter growth, more kilograms of milk, and ease of handling. We are looking for sows that are easy to handle on farms and can reach weaning with 16-17 piglets without any difficulty.

In a market as competitive as Spain's, what can DanBred offer?

Spain is a very important market for DanBred. Each market, even within Europe, has its own characteristics, but feed efficiency and growth are key factors in all markets.

Concern for the environment is emerging as a global issue, and our response is fully in line with this trend: doing more with fewer resources, while focusing on characteristics such as milk yield, vitality, and survival, because these are the criteria that enable us to build a more sustainable production model.