TN Duroc
A Low Incidence of Congenital Defects in TN Duroc Offspring
TN Duroc, like all Topigs Norsvin lines, is known for producing offspring with a low incidence of congenital defects. For many years, we have been breeding and selecting against defects that cause economic losses, reduce the percentage of number one pigs and increase the workload for producers. This focus is a key element of Early Phase Vitality at Topigs Norsvin.
For decades, preventing congenital defects has been a vital part of the Topigs Norsvin breeding program. We rigorously screen our pure lines and remove any animals with defects from our breeding stock.
With advancements in genomics, we now also analyze pigs at the gene level. If we identify DNA segments associated with congenital defects, those pigs are excluded from our breeding program.
Although congenital abnormalities have become rare, we continue our research and investment to further reduce and prevent their resurgence.
Minimal Congenital Defects in TN Duroc
Our commitment to addressing congenital defects is yielding significant results, particularly with the TN Duroc terminal sire line. Compared to Durocs from other genetic suppliers, the occurrence of these abnormalities in TN Duroc is very low.
For example, on TN Duroc breeding farms located in the Netherlands and France, the cryptorchidism occurs with an incidence of only 0.15% to 0.30%. Furthermore, a recent trial in England involving nearly 3,800 finishing pigs sired by TN Duroc revealed a hernia incidence of just 0.6%, whereas other genetic lines can exceed 5%.
Summary
Early Phase Vitality also translates to a low occurrence of congenital defects in TN Duroc offspring. This leads to reduced additional labor during the farrowing stage and promotes uniformity and high performance in the finishing phase. It also ensures a higher percentage of number one pigs at slaughter.
Congenital defects : More work and less efficiency
Congenital defects can include hernias, cryptorchidism, tremors, splay legs, or generally weak piglets. These are conditions that pig producers prefer to avoid, as affected piglets are not healthy and can suffer. Piglets exhibiting these defects often require extra attention from caretakers.
Additionally, congenital defects negatively impact overall efficiency. Defective pigs typically perform worse and lag behind their healthier peers. This can result in less uniformity in the herd, and mortality rates are generally higher among pigs with congenital defects. It also reduces the percentage of slaughter pigs in number one class.
Interested?
Register for the Strong Start webinar
Interested?
Subscribe to the Early Phase Vitality newsletter
Interested?
I would like an account manager to contact me