Topigs Norsvin’s strategic plan to upgrade its breeding structure began eight years ago. This initiative included centralizing nucleus breeding for the Z-line and TN Tempo lines in Canada and constructing Delta Canada and Innova Canada. To further optimize their breeding structure, Topigs Norsvin recently opened Delta Norway, the new test station for testing the Norsvin Landrace and TN Duroc boars.
Delta Canada- A Global Supplier of Genetics
The opening of Delta Canada in 2018 was a significant milestone in the expansion of Topigs Norsvin as a global genetics supplier. Situated in a remote area away from other pig production and in proximity to an airport, in enables the export of high-health boars and semen worldwide. With a capacity of 2,600 pigs, the test station can annually test 7,500 young nucleus boars for the Z-line and TN Tempo lines.
Delta Canada conducts centralized testing of young nucleus boars in a consistent environment under the same conditions. The test station is equipped with individual feed intake recording and CT scanning, nursery quarantines, and an AI quarantine. This approach results in more efficient, uniform, and accurate testing. Central testing also facilitates the introduction of new, high-tech phenotyping technologies such as CT scanning.
Innova Canada- Innovations that Set a New Standard
Expansion in the breeding structure of Topigs Norsvin was made possible with the opening of Innova Canada in 2022. The state-of-the-art nucleus aims to increase genetic progress and breeding with future animal welfare legislation in mind. It sets a new standard for incorporating innovative technologies in pig production.
The new nucleus serves as the main breeding location for the Z-line, one of the GP used to produce TN70 sows. It operates using group housing and free-farrowing housing systems. Topigs Norsvin utilizes camera technology to monitor sow and piglet behaviors, collecting data that can help select sows with stronger maternal instincts. This will effectively enhance the genetic progress and mothering ability of the TN70 sow.
Delta Norway- High-Tech Testing and Innovation Center
Delta Norway, opened in 2024, is twice the size of the old Delta station, allowing for an increased number of boars available for customers. The new testing station can annually test 5,000 young boars from the Norsvin Landrace and TN Duroc lines. The increase in tested boars will reduce genetic lag, providing customers with quicker access to genetic progress.
The new testing station is expected to enhance genetic progress by an additional ten percent, particularly in terms of feed efficiency and daily gain. Large-scale data capture through the extensive use of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence will enable continuous tracking of pigs and the recording of fluctuations in their environment and behavior. A new advanced CT scanner will contribute to Topigs Norsvin’s research on robustness, improved welfare, and reducing environmental impact. Additional research will focus on robustness traits for bone and skeleton strength, as well as heart and lung functionality.
These investments in the Topigs Norsvin breeding structure are part of its global investment effort aimed at achieving the goals outlined in the blueprint for the breeding program. Being an innovative company, Topigs Norsvin continues to look to the future, identifying additional investments and technologies to adopt and incorporate into their breeding program.
