Danbred The

5 The Danbred Edge

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6 The Danbred Edge5 The Danbred Edge

EdgeJefferson County, Neb., pork producer

Bruce Livingston is a poster child for how hard work and unyielding persistence pays off. At age 36, Livingston is the owner of Livingston Enterprises, Inc., a 6,200-sow breed-to-wean operation in Fairbury, Neb., and is arguably one of the most efficient pork producers in the country.

But unlike many pork producers, Livingston always wanted to be a pork producer. “I started in the hog business when I was eight years old,” Livingston recalls with a smile. “I started with six breeding females that I purchased from money earned working for my dad, uncles and a gilt that I won in a judging show, and I knew right then this was my life’s dream.”

By the time he was a senior in high school in 1987, he was up to 150 sows. When profits allowed him, he gradually expanded his operation. By 1995 he had grown to 600 sows farrow-to-finish. In 1996 he realized the need for high-quality, single-source Isowean pigs and quickly converted his 600-sow operation to all breed-to-wean and expanded his operation to 2,200 sows. Following the success of his Isowean business, Livingston once again expanded in 1997 to 3,200 sows, and by 2000 had built the herd to 5,200 sows. Now in 2006, he currently sits at 6,200 sows.

From a quick review of his business, one would quickly surmise that he is a success story. But Livingston will be the first to tell you he has a lot more left to accomplish in his pork enterprise and sitting back on his success is not one of them. A good example is his recent expansion. Livingston has added a new 8,000-head finishing site where he finishes about 10% to 15% of his own production. In the spring of 2007, Livingston is planning on breaking ground for a new 5,000-head sow unit. Within five years he hopes to expand his operation to 20,000 sows.

But Livingston will quickly remind you that it hasn’t always been a dream to keep the wheels from falling off his venture.

“Like all pork producers, I was faced with challenges,” the producer notes. “For my operation the biggest challenge came in the form of PRRS. I basically had the same herd of mixed genotypes and genetics for 24 years. I started to see my operation’s production drop due to heterosis issues and the introduction of PRRS strains and secondary diseases. While my staff and I did a good job of

keeping PRRS from affecting our sow herd, the disease

started to weigh heavily in

the nursery stages for my Isowean customers.

“Early in 1996, a Danbred rep dropped

off 10 bags of semen for me to try in the herd,” recalls Livingston. “I was impressed almost immediately with the results. They were heads above what I was accomplishing with my mixed genetics herd. The next thing I know, I’m up at their boar stud touring their lab, discussing their research methods, production data and selection criteria.

“It’s not very often that you find a company that has the same business directives as you do,” Livingston adds. “They are focused on improving sow production and overall throughput costs from the breeding gilt to the finishing animal. This business directive helped me decide to convert my entire herd over to Danbred genetics.

“Danbred also has great staff to work with,” he adds. “They’ve changed their selection rate so that 70% of their selection is based on pig survivability at Day 5. That’s critical to my business. I like the fact that their R&D is driven off of cost-of-production from the breeding gilts to the market hog. They’re looking at every part of production. That’s critical to me now and in the future.”

Livingston also notes that it was their prolific breeding animals that ultimately drew him to Danbred.

“The production numbers I’ve seen are impressive,” the producer notes. “The key to my operation’s success is having more pigs born live. I was looking for the genetics that would not only produce more born-live pigs,

Volume 1 Issue 1May 2006

Livingston Enterprises . . . A Study in Persistence and Commitment

Continued on page 6

3 The Danbred Edge2

Danbred’s maternal line selection objective has included litter size at birth (liveborn + stillborn) for more than 10 years. During this period, the average response in the two maternal breeds has been over 0.3 pigs per year, resulting in a three-pig improvement in litter size.

In recent years, the rate of preweaning mortality and stillborn has increased resulting in a diminishing response to pigs weaned as litter size at birth continued to rise. To address this issue, the “Super Sow” project was initiated to examine several selection criteria that could better contribute to further improvement in reproductive performance.

By 2004, traits from over 20,000 litters in the Yorkshire and Landrace breeds had been measured. This data set continues to be evaluated, but the first useful result has been implemented as part of the new maternal line objective.

Live pigs at 5 days of age (LP5) have replaced the number

of fully formed pigs in the maternal selection objective. This trait effectively incorporates pig survival and litter size into the maternal component of the breeding objective. Because most pig death occurs within the first five days of life, this trait identifies those sows that are able to produce large litters of pigs that have the ability to survive and thrive in the modern production environment. This trait has a higher heritability and genetic standard deviation than litter size, resulting in slightly more accurate and intense selection. Now encompassing 70% of the maternal line objective, the expected progress in LP5 is approximately 0.3 live pigs at 5 days of age per year (2004 Annual Report of the National

Committee for Pig) (Figure 3). Danbred’s maternal lines have been historically selected

for performance in terminal traits producing one of the key advantages of the Danish program: maternal line performance in terminal traits that is equivalent to our terminal lines (see Figures 1,2).

This reality is important for our customers using internal programs or dedicated multiplication. The result is no loss in slaughter value due to the production of maternal

barrows and improved consistency among terminal pigs. We have also initiated selection for yield in our maternal lines, which will result in further positive impact on the terminal performance of their progeny.

The Danish selection program continues to seek to provide value to our customers through improving the efficiency of their production systems. Through larger litters of pigs with uniform growth that consistently produce excellent carcass quality, the Danbred program provides industry-leading genetic potential for

throughput of carcass weight, the primary economic driver in commercial swine production.

Danbred’s New Maternal Line ObjectiveBy Tom Rathje, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer

LP5

Dressing Percent Nursery Gain

Percent Lean

Finishing Gain

Conformation

70%

1%4%

6%

1%

8%

10%FCR

Figure 3

NurseryGain

FinishingGain

FCR PercentLean

DressingPercent

Conformation

Lbs./Day Lbs./Day Lb. Feed/Lb. Gain

% % Units

Duroc

Landrace

Yorkshire

0.81

0.79

0.83

0.79 2.10

2.13

1.87

2.23 2.33

2.44

2.41

2.33 61.4

62.1

61.9

59.7 74.2

75.4

73.9

74.8 3.04

2.92

2.91

2.92

Hampshire

Nucleus Line Male Performance

Figure 1

NurseryGain

FinishingGain

PercentLean

LitterSize

Conformation

Lbs./Day Lbs./Day % TNB Units

Duroc

Landrace

Yorkshire

0.81

0.80

0.83

0.79 2.03

2.06

1.79

2.12 59.8

61.8

62.1

61.4 13.7

14.6

8.5

10.1 3.04

3.06

3.09

3.14

Hampshire

Nucleus Line Female Performance

Figure 2

3 The Danbred Edge3

What is this ‘New’ Syndrome

Called PCVD?Porcine Circovirus Disease

Across the hog belt, something “new” is being discussed by producers and veterinarians. The syndrome, called Porcine Circovirus Diseases, is most often observed in pigs from 8 to 16 weeks of age and is best described as a loss of condition or “wasting.” Dr. John Harding (practitioner) and Dr. Ted Clark (pathologist) were the first individuals to detail this economic devastating syndrome in the literature around 1997. It was first observed in western Canada but has since been documented in nearly every swine-producing country in the world. Drs. Harding and Clark put a name on the syndrome that illustrates the clinical aspects. It has been called Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) ever since. In recent years with the help of thorough diagnostic approaches and better diagnostic tests, Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV 2) has been identified as being associated with the syndrome. Although few researchers and diagnosticians feel that PCV 2 is the only cause of the clinical signs, PCV 2 has, by itself, caused a wasting condition in research facilities.

PCV 2 and PMWS have been present in the U.S. swine production flows since the late 1990s. A more severe form of

the disease has been reported in eastern

Canada since late 2004. This more

severe

presentation of the clinical signs is what is being labeled as “new” PMWS. Mortality rates in late nursery and early finisher flows are doubled in most cases and, in a few instances, mortality rates over 20% have been documented. So why are more severe clinical presentations of this disease being noticed now? This and other questions were discussed at the recent AASV meeting where veterinarians, researchers and speakers from around the world detailed numerous aspects of the disease.

Although a definitive agent has not been identified for PCVD, many managerial and infectious risk factors are recognized. One notable fact is that PCV 2 is in nearly all swine units and boar studs. Because of this, searching for a PCV 2-naïve source of breeding stock or semen is nearly impossible. If this syndrome is suspected in a group of animals, the first step is to work with your veterinarian to ensure an accurate diagnosis. There are many pathogens that are associated with similar clinical signs; therefore, an accurate diagnosis is important to obtain. To be sure that a proper diagnosis is made, the pathology report will state that PCV 2 antigen is present in the tissue samples along with a granulomatous inflammation, lymphoid depletion and inclusion bodies. Gross lesions will include, but not be limited to, a combination of gastric ulcers, enlarged lymph nodes, pale color, enlarged kidneys and even skin lesions. Much less commonly associated diseases include PCV 2-associated enteritis, abortion and Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome (PDNS). Besides a wasting condition of the animal, the other most common clinical observation is a respiratory problem.

Once the diagnosis has confirmed PCVD, a list of changes can be discussed and implemented with the help of your veterinarian to reduce the clinical severity of the disease. One of the more important

aspects is to identify and control any concurrent infection. One of the more common co-infections is PRRS virus. Other pathogens like swine influenza virus, salmonella, Haemophilus parasuis, mycoplasma and parvovirus have been identified as co-infections that contribute to more severe problems. Another issue is timing of when vaccinations are given to the pigs. It is recommended to vaccinate pigs five to seven weeks before the clinical signs are observed. A more intense antibiotic therapy may be needed to control secondary bacterial infections that may be active during a critical time of the disease. Enhanced nutritional diets, higher levels of Vitamin E and additional supplementation of selenium have also been listed as beneficial in some cases.

Management issues that are associated with reducing the impact of this problem are to adhere to strict all-in/all-out (AI/AO) flow, stop mixing and resorting of animals after placement into a pen, improve stocking density and evaluate the environment. Proper cleaning and disinfecting will also help. Many of the commonly used disinfectants will reduce the PCV 2 virus with proper application. Removing the animal early in the expression of a problem from the general population or even from the site has helped reduce mortality in a few case reports.

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians has taken a leadership role in forming a task force with combined efforts of the National Pork Board and USDA to help veterinarians and producers manage through this problem. In addition, the task force will help influence the approval of a commercial vaccine and how research dollars need to be directed towards PCVD and this new syndrome. There are many aspects of this syndrome that have not been researched which could help control the spread and reduce the economic severity of the syndrome for swine producers.

By Thomas G. Gillespie, D.V.M.Rensselaer Swine Service, P.C.

PCVD?PCVD?PCVD?PCVD?

3 The Danbred Edge4

In Denmark, The National Committee for Pig Production is in charge of all research on the Danbred pig. Due to the fact that swine producers serve on the board, Danbred has a unique focus on the issues that most affect producers. In the recently published 2005 Annual

Report, they looked at different methods of cross-fostering. Danbred sows have the genetic potential to produce extremely large litters. Cross-fostering and nursing sows are, therefore, required if mortality is to be kept at an acceptable level. Sows are able to rear 13 pigs without affecting mortality, but weaning weight drops with increasing litter size (Table 1).

Colostrum IntakePigs are born with few antibodies in their blood; they depend

on the sow’s colostrum to obtain maternal antibodies. Therefore, it is crucial that all pigs have access to the udder and that they are not moved until they have consumed sufficient colostrum. Pigs cannot be moved until six hours after birth. The small pigs have more difficulty getting to the teats and they should have a minimum of 12 hours to consume colostrum before they are moved. If in doubt as to whether a piglet has received sufficient colostrum, 30-ml milked colostrum can be administered divided into three feedings.

How to Make a Nurse SowA nurse sow weans her own pigs after a minimum of 21 days of

lactation and then receives a new litter of pigs. Either the nursing sow is given excess newborn pigs and called a one-step nursing sow, or she is given 4- to 7-day-old pigs from another sow and called an intermediate sow. The sow providing the 4- to 7-day-old pigs then becomes a two-step nursing sow to the excess newborn pigs (Table 2).

A trial showed that two-step nursing sows more readily accept the new pigs compared with one-step nursing sows. This reduced mortality and increased weaning weight (Table 3). In the same trial, it was investigated whether the pigs that were moved to an intermediate sow to make a two-step nursing sow were affected by the move. This was not the case. It is recommended to use two-step nursing sows for newborn pigs.

The trial also investigated whether the pigs could handle being transferred to a nursing sow. Pigs that stayed with the sows and pigs that were moved to two-step nursing sows had the same mortality and weaning weight. Mortality was higher among pigs that were moved to one-step nursing sows.

Another trial compared the ability of first-parity sows with higher-parity sows to be nursing sows. The first-parity sows performed better than the higher-parity sows. A first-parity sow was compared with a second-parity sow, and there were no

differences in productivity when the four replicates in the trial were compared. It is, therefore, possible that both first-parity sows and second-parity sows would make suitable nursing sows

The longer the sow is separated from pigs, the greater the risk that she will forget the smell of the pigs and the udder will be more charged with milk. In one trial, the sows were separated from pigs for two of 18 hours before they were given nursing pigs. Weaning weight was lower if the sow had been 18 hours without pigs before receiving the nursing pigs. Mortality did not vary in this small study. Nursing sows are often needed in the herds, but the sows must rear as many of their own pigs as possible as the nursing sows take up space in the farrowing unit.

If you would like more information on this topic, please contact Danbred.

By John P. Sonderman, Ph.D.Technical Services ManagerDanbred North America

Proper Management of Nursing Sows Assures Increased Pig Survivability

Table 1Effect of 11 or 13 Pigs in the Litter

11.0Number of Piglets Transferred

Weaned/Litter

Weaning Weight, Lb.

13.0

11.7

15.7B

A , B Significant Difference

17.0A

10.1

Table 2Schematic Outline of One-Step and Two-Step Nursing Sows in a Herd with a Four-Week Lactation Period

Sow No. 2 farrows

Sow No. 2 weans her piglets and receives the piglets from sow No. 3. Sow No. 3 receivesday-oldnursingpiglets.

Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Sow No. 1 farrows

Sow No. 3 farrows

The piglets with sow No. 2 are weaned.

The piglets with sow No. 3 are weaned.

The piglets with sow No. 1 are weaned.

Sow No. 1 weans her piglets and receivesday-oldnursingpiglets.

One-StepNursingSow

Two-Step NursingSow

Table 3Nursing Piglets with One-Step or Two-Step Nursing Sows

One-StepNursing Sow

Piglets Added Per Litter

Weaned/Litter

Two-Step

11.0

10.4B9.0A

11.0

A, B Significant Difference

Weaning Weight, Lb. Per Pig 12.1A 14.1B

3 The Danbred Edge5

Danbred Launches New Parent Female

Danbred North America has always maintained that 30+ pigs/sow/year is an obtainable goal with their Danish genetics. Danish pork producers have been delivering these numbers for more than five years. A new step in helping North American pork producers reach this goal, Danbred has introduced the newest parent female to their extensive breeding line – Danbred 241 Parent Female.

“This new F1 female is the direct culmination of more than 100 years of breeding selection,” states John Sonderman, Ph.D., Tech-nical Services Manager at Danbred NA. “We know that females in a herd must consistently wean large litters and rebreed quickly after each weaning to achieve 30+ pigs/sow/year.

“It is our experience that the ability of some Danish producers to wean 30+ pigs/sow/year is driven primarily through their use of superior maternal genetics and well-educated and dedicated personnel,” Dr. Sonderman continues. “Nutrition and good health also plays a huge supporting role in allowing the animals to reach their true reproductive potential. However, it comes down to hav-ing the right type of breeding female that has the proven genetic potential to reach these weaning numbers. The Danbred 241 is that female.”

Dr. Sonderman notes, “The 241 is a direct result of a disci-plined selection program. More important, all traits are constantly monitored and measured. We place an economic value on every trait selected. Because it’s a system owned by swine producers, we are selecting traits that make swine producers more money.

“Unlike a lot of genetic companies that use a trial-and-error ap-

proach to meeting customer genetic needs,” Dr. Sonderman con-cludes, “Danbred has been selecting the same animals for more than 100 years. This makes our programs highly consistent. Our customers know exactly what the animal is capable of doing in their specific systems. It comes as no surprise when the Danbred 241 produces 11.5 to 12.5 weaned pigs per litter.”

A Century of Quality and Performance

“For over a century, the Danish national breeding program has delivered continuous coordinated genetic improvement to com-mercial producers,” states Danbred NA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Bonwell. “The program is centrally controlled, highly disci-plined and is focused on selecting for traits, which leads to more profit to the producer.

“Danbred North America is unique in the swine genetics busi-ness in the fact that they are associated with Denmark in the advancement of our genetics program,” Bonwell notes. “With over 13,000 nucleus-breeding females internationally interlinked, Danbred North America breeding program encompasses the largest nucleus systems in the world. This ensures that selection intensity is maximized and rapid genetic progress is achieved quickly. All of our nucleus herds are indexed against the nucleus herds in Denmark, giving Danbred the largest base of nucleus animals in the world.

“Simply stated,” Bonwell surmises, “Danbred North America is committed to provide proven genetics at the best cost-effective

price, resulting in more prof-itability for your operation. At Danbred, we remain fo-cused on improving measur-able traits that give econom-ic rewards, while keeping an educated eye towards emerg-ing trends. The Danbred 241 is a true F1 breeding female that produces strong, viable offspring that efficiently convert feed and grow at astounding rates.”

For more information or ordering information on the new Danbred 241 true F1 parent female, contact your Danbred representative or call 1-888-DANBRED.

Danbred 241 Parent Female

The Danbred 241 Parent Female is a true F1 breeding female and is the direct result of crossing Danbred’s highly prolific 200 Yorkshire GP with Danbred’s docile, efficient 400 Landrace GP. The direct cross produces the Danbred 241 parent female. The benefits of this new genetic cross are seen immediately in producer herds:

u Unparalleled Reproductive Ability – Data from a large U.S. commercial operation shows that the Danbred 241 is already producing 12.5+ pigs born alive. The Danbred 241 returns to estrus quickly after weaning (~ 4 to 7 days) and consistently produces a greater number of piglets in the subsequent litter.

u �Enviable Growth and Carcass Characteristics – The Danbred 241 comes with the genetic potential to grow in excess of 2 lbs. of ADG with greater than 55% lean and 77% yield.

u Docile Temperament – Because of years of selection in Denmark, the Danbred 241 is extremely docile. Producers who have first-hand experience with the new breeding female report that she is easy to work with and is a quiet animal, which contributes to low preweaning mortality.

u Structurally Sound and Low Sow Mortality – The 241 exhibits solid leg structure and composition. Produc-tion data from commercial operations in the United States and Denmark show that the 241 is a highly durable animal that produces large, strong offspring well into late parities.

u Health and Biosecurity Unmatched Within the Industry – Danbred implements the highest biosecurity standards in the swine industry.

5 The Danbred Edge

3 The Danbred Edge

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6 The Danbred Edge

but also the most thrifty, viable pig possible. That starts for us as good live born weights. Danbred has delivered on that factor.

“I’ve managed a lot of different genotypes in my system and feel with our management system we can make most genotypes produce well for us,” he admits. “However, these Danbred animals consistently give us the live pigs to work with. They are phenomenal. I feel strongly that we have the best animal in the industry.”

Livingston recently went through a depop/repop program (fall, 2004) and stayed with Danbred throughout the repop program.

“I had the same herd for 24 years,” he admits. “Every time I added new animals, the production was suffering. Then PRRS came in and started taking our numbers down. When we broke with a third strain of PRRS, I decided we would never reach our production goals unless we converted to a single-sourced breeding herd. Danbred was large enough to

be able to fill my facility in the time line that I wanted. That was critical to us staying on target.”

Livingston notes that they’re just now farrowing parity three females (and several parity one and two females) and they’re already getting up to 27.5 pigs/sow/year. “My goal is 30+ pigs/sow/year and I have confidence we can reach that number with this sow,” Livingston predicts. “Danish pork producers who are using these genetics have a

history of consistently producing 30+ pigs per sow per year.”

Livingston is in the process (following the repop) of switching over to Danbred’s new 241 true F1 (half Large White/half Landrace). Following the repop program with Danbred genetics, Livingston Enterprises’ live-born average is 11.7 and weaning average is around 11

for a 94% survival rate. “The Danbred’s 241 line F1 females are having 12 live born and pushing 13,” Livingston outlines. Prewean mortality is only 6% vs. the industry average of 12% to 14%.

Livingston adds that he has excellent employees who all work hard to keep im-

proving production. He also says a critical eye towards proper management is essential to be able to reach these numbers. For example, he has invented a farrowing crate that allows the sow to lie down slow and thus reduce lay-ons. The operation also employs some excellent cross-fostering programs to maintain piglet livability. According to the producer, these management techniques all play a huge role in their overall production numbers.

Livingston adds, “I’ve just entered a contract to provide Danbred 482 F2 gilts (241 x 241). These are absolutely beautiful gilts. I can confidently say that these Danbred F2 gilts would stand toe-to-toe with most genetic companies’ F1 gilts. They are truly excellent breeding females that are producing consistently large litters.”

Bruce Livingston has established yet another goal for his operation. “My goal is to own and oversee the first large-scale farm in North America to consistently raise 30+ pigs,” he concludes confidently. “Give this operation a year or two to get all Danbred F1 females in the herd and I believe we’ll reach those numbers.”

No one doubts Bruce Livingston’s prediction or his dedication to making it become a reality.

Livingston continued from page 1

18th Annual 2006 World Pork Expo –

Bringing the Best TogetherDes Moines, Iowa, June 8-10Come and visit us in the Varied Industries Building,

Booth #330, about our new Danbred 241 Parent Female. This amazing new F1 female is the answer to

reaching 30+ pigs per inventoried female a year.

3220 25th StreetColumbus, NE 68601

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDKansas City, MO

Permit No. 289

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