Productivity and cost efficiency remain a primary focus for all producers, especially in the current state of our economy. DNA Genetics announced its recent investment in a 2,000-head commercial sow research farm, which will be home to its ongoing research to improve sow productivity and welfare, the company said in a release.
“Opening our new research facility is a milestone celebration for our team,” Ashley Hartman, research coordinator with DNA Genetics, said in a release. “We have greatly expanded our detailed testing capabilities for our terminal and maternal lines in a commercial setting. This not only creates momentous opportunities and advancements for our genetics program but also provides resources to continue to generate research and data-based management recommendations to our customers.”
The company believes sow research is critical to advancing the swine industry because of its potential impact on improved farm productivity, herd health, welfare, reproductive efficiency and economic viability.
“The sow is the foundation of the commercial herd, making the productivity and robustness of the DNA Maternal Line 241 sow a top priority for DNA Genetics and its customers,” the company explained in a release.
DNA Genetics’ commercial testing site features robust technological capabilities designed to help researchers better understand the management, feeding, environmental and health protocols that economically and profitably extract the genetic potential of the DNA Maternal Line 241 and her progeny from the DNA Terminal Line 600 sire.
Site capabilities include:
• Advanced digital technology and camera systems to monitor sow performance, advance phenotyping capabilities for gilt and sow structure and expand collaboration on advanced digital technologies
• Application of advanced genomic and health monitoring technologies to sows, their progeny, the microbiome and the environment
• Ability to research pen and stall gestation housing under one roof
• Electronic feed intake systems to regulate and monitor feed intake and diets during gestation and lactation
• Detailed environmental monitoring and control
• Ability to control diet formulation to advance the understanding of optimal nutrition
“Ultimately, this data will define best practices for managing DNA’s Maternal Line 241 and aid in bolstering the company’s sow retention program. It will also outline necessary nutrient requirements, develop feed curves for internal and external use and continue evaluating strategies to improve piglet survivability,” the company said in a release.
DNA Genetics will follow the piglets born at this farm throughout their lifetime to capture detailed growth and mortality information, including individual feed intake recordings on commercial market pigs. This all is in support the company’s genetic program for its Terminal Line 600 and Maternal Line 241, the release said.
“The opportunities for advancement in our genetic program are endless, thanks to our new facility,” Hartman said. “This facility provides the resources for intense phenotyping and project management, adding to an already robust commercial program that includes over 30,000 fully pedigreed commercial sows and their market pig progeny. The information we will learn through this research is invaluable – not only to us but also to our customers and, more generally, to the industry as a whole.”
The facility will also provide hands-on training for research interns and assist in building university-industry and industry-industry collaboration. Learn more here.
