Breeding
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 took place on 18 June at Stoneleigh Park. Details and presentations 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 teamed
up for this event which was 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.
Breed +3 farm case studies Find out how some producers have already achieved +3 on their units through changes in management:
New Breed +3 digital tool for stockmen.
More than 50 short video clips have been produced to demonstrate routine tasks on the breeding unit, for stockmen and managers to use on farm. Watch the clips here.
