Genetics and reproduction

New research yields a vaccine capable of inducing protection against the ASFv Georgia isolate and inducing sterile immunity against the current ASFv strain responsible for recent outbreaks.

New research shows a significance difference in lifetime total born performance of gilts bred at first oestrus and second oestrus.

The European research programme Feed-a-Gene has launched a 2020 meeting where key industry players will discuss sustainable solutions for pig, poultry and rabbit production.

The Director of Research and Development for Canada with Topigs Norsvin Canada says selecting pigs for breeding that interact well together is helping improve animal welfare and the economics of pork production.

Sow longevity is a key economic component in commercial pig farming, as it is directly proportional to the herd replacement rate and to the total number of piglets weaned per sow lifetime.

A desire to build coalitions was the impetus for a recent agreement between Hendrix Genetics (Hypor) and German-based BHZP.

China's agriculture minister Han Changfu has told officials to speed up their efforts to raise pig breeding numbers, while adding that supportive measures from Beijing are starting to take effect.

Results from a new study demonstrate that the parity of a sow can greatly increase the incidence of reproductive failure and subsequent removal of the sow from the herd.

Research conducted on behalf of Swine Innovation Porc shows newborn piglets should be allowed to suckle for at least two days before cross fostering to help stimulate future milk production.

Control of the oestrous cycle in the pig can be achieved through the predictable suppression of the follicular phase using a progestogen.

Strategies designed to encourage the sow to produce higher volumes of milk will provide her piglets a greater opportunity to grow resulting in higher more productive weaning weights.

The study, published in Porcine Health Management, investigates the associations between blood-glucose levels, intrauterine growth restriction and pre-weaning mortality.

Given the reputation of the Hypor Magnus for getting results, it’s little wonder that the sire line came out on top in a recent North American wean to finish trial against a rival.

Multiple healthy litters of naturally castrated piglets developed through precision breeding.

One of China's top pig farming companies imported 906 breeding pigs from Denmark this week in the first import of live pigs in a year.

Reports of Chinese hog producers breeding pigs the size of polar bears have emerged, but are the reports true, and what are the implications for breeding pigs so big?

Ever felt at a loss when asked how animal breeding factors into the food chain?

Selection of parents of the next generation of pigs in nucleus breeding programmes requires accurate estimation of breeding values for several traits.

Success in life is all about making the hard choices: buy or sell; own or rent; ham or bacon.

A passion for animals is of great importance in pig farming - something that is familiar to Edwin Elshof.