TN Duroc
A Low Incidence of Congenital Defects in TN Duroc Offspring
TN Duroc is known for producing offspring with a low incidence of congenital defects. This is because Topigs Norsvin has been breeding and selecting against defects that cause economic losses and increase the workload for producers. This focus is a key element of Topigs Norsvin’s Early Phase Vitality.
For decades, preventing congenital defects has been a vital aspect of the Topigs Norsvin breeding program. Pure lines are being screened rigorously to remove any animals with defects from the breeding stock.
With advancements in genomics, pigs are also analysed at the gene level. If DNA segments associated with congenital defects are identified, those pigs are excluded from the Topigs Norsvin breeding program.
Although congenital abnormalities have become rare, research and investments to further reduce and prevent their resurgence is ongoing.
Minimal Congenital Defects in TN Duroc
Topigs Norsvin’s commitment to addressing congenital defects is yielding significant results, particularly with the TN Duroc terminal sire line. Compared to other Duroc lines, the occurrence of these abnormalities in TN Duroc is extremely low.
For example, the cryptorchidism incidence on TN Duroc breeding farms in the Netherlands and France is only 0.15% to 0.30%. Another example is from a recent trial in England which involved nearly 3,800 finisher hogs sired by TN Duroc. The study revealed a hernia incidence of just 0.6%, whereas other genetic lines exceeded 5%.
Summary
Early Phase Vitality translates to a low occurrence of congenital defects in TN Duroc offspring. Less congenital defects means more robust, healthy pigs, requiring less resources per animal, ensuring uniformity and high performance in the finishing phase.
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 may suffer. Piglets exhibiting these defects often require extra attention from caretakers.
Overall efficiency is negatively impacted by congenital defects – defective pigs typically perform worse and fall behind. This can result in less uniformity in the herd and potentially higher mortality rates.
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