On September 21, Topigs Norsvin held the official opening of its new nucleus farm Innova Canada. Innova Canada is an important step in the further development of Topigs Norsvin as a global supplier of genetics. The new nucleus farm will be part of a bigger plan to upgrade and expand the nucleus capacity in Canada. Innova Canada will contribute to further accelerating genetic progress in the Z-line, one of the lines that forms the basis of the TN70 sow.
With this investment, Topigs Norsvin expects to meet the growing demand for Topigs Norsvin genetics, especially in the USA. It will also lead to accelerated genetic progress and faster dissemination of this genetic progress to our customers worldwide. CTO Hans Olijslagers: “Innova Canada is part of Topigs Norsvin’s long-term balanced breeding strategy and will substantially contribute to our target of increasing genetic progress even further. Although it will contribute to the success of our customers worldwide, in particular, it shows our commitment to the North American market.”
One of the innovations in the new nucleus will be the implementation of group gestation and loose farrowing. The aim is to be fully in line with future Canadian welfare legislation and legislation in other countries. This also means the genetic lines will be bred for this type of housing.
Innova Canada runs entirely on electricity and uses no fossil energy sources like propane or natural gas. As 97% of the electricity is from hydropower, the nucleus uses renewable and virtually emission-free energy.
A high biosecurity is another important aspect of Innova Canada. The new nucleus is located near Plumas in Manitoba in an area with a low pig density. Combined with high biosecurity protocols, strict transportation rules and high levels of health monitoring, this will ensure the highest health status and continuity of supply.
