The second “DanBred Experience” event in Potchefstroom highlighted the company’s relevance and proactive approach to industry challenges. Torben Aarris, CEO of this Danish pig genetics company, noted in a recorded message the great potential for Africa, emphasizing its growing population as an opportunity for pig production. Jurgens Reynders, managing director of DanBred Africa acknowledged ongoing challenges like low productivity and financial returns. He stressed the importance of increasing productivity and reducing costs, with DanBred’s breeding program aimed at helping farmers earn more while lowering expenses. This biennial event strengthens industry connections and allows farmers to experience the company’s genetics and programs.
DanBred Africa supports producers under signed agreements to breed DanBred genetics on-farm. The company operates three nucleus herds and multiplication farms in South Africa, including the new Birbury Agri near Parys, which supply genetics for gilts and boars. Reynders expressed optimism about strong production and genetic progress, despite high feed costs affecting profitability. Nonetheless, farmers remain positive and continue to improve their operations.
Awarding excellence
The company’s excellence awards were a highlight of the program, honouring producers for their valuable contributions to the industry. Malu Boland in Kimberley received awards for both the most kilograms produced per sow per year and the most pigs weaned per sow per year. The award for the best grower herd, based on average daily gain, went to Ibis Piggery in Polokwane, while Buchner & Seuns in Paterson received the award for the best herd feed conversion ratio. Savannah Pork in Botswana was recognized with the award for the best farm outside South Africa.
Genetic Progress
Søren Thuesen, head of DanBred’s solutions and supply chain in Denmark, highlighted the importance of genetic progress for producer profitability. He noted that farms achieving genetic advancements 10 to 15 years ago would struggle to compete today. To remain competitive, producers must adapt, especially as margins in pig production and carcass weight are tight. Thuesen stressed that genetic companies must support their customers to prevent them from falling behind. He also highlighted the increasing relevance of societal factors related to environmental concerns and climate change. By breeding pigs that efficiently utilize resources, the industry can reduce its climate impact. Key traits of DanBred breeding include hyper-prolific sows that typically give birth to 18 to 19 live piglets, along with significant mating capacity. A lactating sow can achieve a daily litter weight gain of 3,2 to 3,5 kg, producing about 15 liters of milk daily. This results in prolific sows capable of weaning many piglets. At DanBred, only breeding goals with measurable economic value are prioritized, such as saving feed during the finishing phase and producing more full value pigs. The economic significance of traits can shift, therefor breeding decisions focus on traits that maximize progress and increase productivity.
Efficient sow management
Thuesen also discussed efficient sow management, noting the increased pressure on finisher traits over the last decade. Raising finishers and developing gilts into productive sows require different strategies. Finisher management focuses on feed conversion and lean carcass production, while sow management emphasises higher fat deposition through careful feed adjustments. While many reproductive traits are naturally present in sows, managing fat deposition requires human intervention by adjusting feed ratios to reduce protein and increase energy. He underlined that DanBred sees South Africa and the broader Sub-Saharan region as crucial for its future, aligning regional goals with global objectives.
Depop and re-pop of a pig farm
Shaun Mockford of Mockford Farms in Limpopo and Dr Shani van Lochem, pig veterinary consultant of Preventicare Veterinary Consultancy discussed the successful de- and re-population at two of their farms. Dr Van Lochem underlined the need to understand existing diseases before depopulation. They targeted the diseases Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia (APP). While generally healthy, the Leanside unit had a high APP mortality rate. From August 2022 to the end of 2023, the farm fully depopulated the Leanside unit, culling all pigs. In the commercial units, all growing pigs and weaners were removed, leaving only a vaccinated sow herd. The units were deep cleaned before introducing new pigs, and all growing pigs were relocated to another site to continue generating an income. The only production loss in the sow unit occurred during four weeks of halted breeding for the clean-up. Key challenges included biosecurity and relocating 15,000 pigs. The program improved carcass weights by 6 kg per pig. Dr Van Lochem noted that while most farms manage these diseases, successful depopulation leads to healthier animals and a rewarding farming experience.
Soybean meal
Jaco van der Westhuizen, managing director of the Pretoria branch of the Grainvest Group discussed the growing value of soybean meal in pig feed. Local usage has increased from 1,2 to 1,6 million tons, with South Africa traditionally a net importer. The opening of soybean crushing plants has allowed the country to become self-sufficient and eliminate imports, reducing prices from import parity and benefiting the economy. Job creation has risen as more farmers plant soybeans. This year, however, a weaker harvest has caused soybean meal to trade at import parity again, with prices expected between R8 500 and R9 500 per ton. He said with SAFEX prices for soybeans below import parity, purchasing soybeans is advisable, as crushers will demand higher prices for meal. Fortunately for producers, international prices are low, and the rand is strengthening. Currently, soybean meal is significantly lower than last year’s peak of nearly R13 000 per ton. If the upcoming season is favourable, lower soybean meal prices may result in a mixed outlook for producers. Overall, the year looks promising, though planting has not yet begun on a full scale.
For more information contact the DanBred office on support@danbred.co.za or dr Shani van Lochem at 082 733 6384 or shani@preventicare.co.za or Jaco Swanepoel at jacow@gfv.co.za. – Christal-Lize Muller, Plaas Media