Industry representatives emphasise that modern pig production in Denmark is no longer aimed at increasing litter size. Since 2021, the key priority has been to develop more resilient animals and improve the maternal abilities of sows.
According to Christian Fink Hansen, Director of the Pig Sector at Agriculture & Food, these changes are already yielding results: 2025 is expected to see the highest piglet survival rate since the turn of the millennium.
Breeding efforts are focused on giving piglets the best possible start in life by enhancing their viability and improving the ability of sows to care for their offspring, including foster piglets.
Statistics confirm the positive trend: piglet mortality in the breeding system has decreased from 23% in 2022 to 21.4% in 2024 — the lowest level in the past 25 years.
The industry notes that these changes align with societal expectations and political priorities regarding improved animal welfare and reduced production losses.
PigUA.info, based on thepigsite.com