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Breed +3

BPEX is re-focusing its efforts on the breeding herd in 2013 with a ‘Breed +3’ initiative to help each herd wean an extra three pigs per sow per year – that’s whether they’re currently about average at 23 pigs weaned or if they’re already at 27 and want to get to 30.

Helping pig producers wean more pigs needs to be the priority if the industry is to achieve its Two-Tonne Sow (2TS) target and manage its production costs.

The numbers of pigs born and weaned have only increased by around half a pig per sow per year on British units since 2006. Meanwhile, other countries have continued to increase their performance by at least two pigs in the same period.

 

Achieving Breed +3 in practice

BPEX Innovation Conference. A technical conference showcasing the latest innovation in pig breeding and building design will be taking place on 18 June at Stoneleigh Park. The event is a must for forward-thinking owners and farm managers, vets and allied industry. Full details can be found here: www.bpex.org.uk/news/events/innovation/default.aspx

Breed +3 Making it Happen - Conference and workshop. In order to achieve the productivity increases required everyone in the supply chain should focus on playing their part. BPEX and BOCM PAULS have teamed up for this event which is being held at Sandy Park, Exeter on May 1st, 2013. Full details can be found here: www.bpex.org.uk/2TS/events/default.aspx

Local knowledge transfer events. The key areas of focus for producers are in the table below and will be covered by BPEX knowledge transfer workshops and pig club meetings for pig producers around the country.

Publications and information. There is also a wealth of practical information available on this website and the BPEX knowledge transfer managers can be contacted directly for help at any time.

New Breed +3 digital tool for stockmen. More than 50 short video clips will be produced to demonstrate best practice for routine tasks on the breeding unit, for stockmen and managers to use on farm. To be launched in May 2013

Topic	Activities & Events	Publications & Information
Performance recording	Agrosoft workshops in all regions - dates to be confirmed November 2013 regional producer events	‘What If?’ models on the website Costings and herd performance figures on the website
Understanding/making use of recording	Benchmarking pig club meetings as a part of the ‘2TS Recording Project’	Articles and case studies on ‘2TS Recording Project’ – coming soon
Gilt management		Gilt Management Pack
Managing sow body condition	Topigs/Phil Baynes nutrition workshops: 17 April (Midlands) and 18 April (Yorkshire) BPEX Innovation Conference: 18 June 2013, Stoneleigh November 2013 regional producer events	Action for Productivity 20: Condition scoring of sows
Service management and boar management	November 2013 regional producer events	Action for Productivity 29: Heat detection Action for Productivity 30: Semen storage Action for Productivity 31: Timing of service Action for Productivity on boar management (in progress)
Managing litters and keeping piglets alive	BPEX Innovation Conference: 18 June 2013, Stoneleigh November 2013 regional producer events	Farrowing Pack
Seasonality	Workshops in East Anglia and the South West	PhD project findings: Seasonal infertility in UK pig production Research Into Action 10: Seasonality in pigs
Manager-to-staff communication	Pig Manager’s Human Resources workshops – 21 May, 28 May, 25 June  (East Anglia) and 26 June (Yorkshire) Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Development Programme – next intake autumn 2013	Pig Manager’s Human Resources Pack including an induction manual for new starters and a skills matrix to provide a structure for staff development – available April 2013
Health and vaccination		Pig Health Improvement Project Focus on Health Pack