Veterinary session

The genetic improvement potential of sire lines is often undervalued in pig production, despite the fact that selecting the right boars can enhance traits in offspring that are economically, environmentally, and welfare-friendly. The Topigs Norsvin Duroc (TND) boar line, introduced in Hungary in 2023, has already proven itself internationally. Our aim was to demonstrate that, with appropriate line-specific feeding, this breed can outperform competitors in terms of growth potential, feed conversion, meat quality, and robustness. These traits not only increase the market value and consumer satisfaction but also reduce antibiotic use, improve animal welfare, and lessen the environmental footprint of farms.

Our research, conducted across seven conventional pig farms in Hungary, examined 913 litters. We found that the farms did not follow the TND-specific feeding guidelines, and data collection was often incomplete. Despite this, TND achieved outstanding results in several areas. The number of live-born piglets was 0.63 higher, although the average birth weight was 0.08 kg lower. The TND showed a lower mortality rate during the farrowing phase, with a 0.98 percentage point reduction (and in some cases up to 5.23 percentage points), and the average weaning weight was 0.32-0.4 kg higher. The average daily gain (ADG) during farrowing was 16 grams better. The incidence of cryptorchidism in TND was only one-quarter of that in competitors (VT), and fewer medical treatments were required. Digestive disease treatments were also less frequent, with only 2 litters treated in TND compared to 5 in VT. TND required fewer and lower-category antibiotics, and results in the nursery phase were also superior. TND offspring entering the fattening phase were 0.3 kg heavier, with a difference of up to 3.08 kg compared to VT. TND's feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 0.04 kg better, and ADG was 25.96 grams higher. While the mortality rate due to mechanical injuries was slightly higher (by 0.35 percentage points), TND pigs delivered a 2.55 kg heavier carcass weight, and the carcass-corrected FCR was also more favorable (2.79 kg vs. 2.88 kg). In conclusion, the robustness and genetic advantages of TND bring significant economic and environmental benefits, supporting the One Health initiative in livestock production.