On June 13, 2024, Topigs Norsvin officially opened Delta Norway, its new boar test and research center in the Hamar region of southeastern Norway. This facility marks the final element of Topigs Norsvin’s eight-year strategic plan to upgrade its breeding structure, which previously involved centralizing the nucleus breeding of the Z-line and TN Tempo in Canada, and building Delta Canada and Innova Canada. The new facility at Delta Norway represents a significant milestone for the company’s efforts to enhance genetic progress and sustainability in pig breeding.
Innovative Technologies and Increased Capacity for Genetic Progress
Delta Norway, which is double the size of the previous boar testing station, will play a crucial role in boosting genetic progress by 10%, particularly in feed efficiency and daily gain. This increase means that less feed is needed, fewer resources are used, and fewer greenhouse gases are emitted during pork production. Given the millions of Topigs Norsvin pigs worldwide, this improvement will have a substantial impact on reducing the environmental footprint of the industry.
The new facility incorporates cutting-edge technology, such as sensors and camera systems, to continuously observe pigs and collect large-scale data on animal behavior and welfare. This data will allow Topigs Norsvin to select for traits that improve robustness, social behavior, and animal welfare, making pigs more resilient and healthier. The use of these technologies will also support breeding for behavior without compromising performance, ensuring that new traits are well-integrated into the breeding goal.
Delta Norway’s testing capacity has increased to accommodate 5,000 young TN Duroc and Norsvin Landrace boars annually, which is 2,000 more than the previous facility. This increase will help meet the growing demand for high-genetic-value animals globally. Additionally, the old test station will be converted into the Sigma Nucleus Center, which will house boars for export, allowing Topigs Norsvin to decrease genetic lag and provide faster access to genetic advancements for customers. The increased availability of high-health boars with the highest genetic potential will enable larger-scale exports to more countries.
Focus on Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Delta Norway is not only focused on genetic progress but also on sustainability in the broader sense. Feed efficiency is expected to improve faster than before, meaning that less feed and fewer resources will be needed in pork production. This efficiency will contribute to reduced land use and lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Olav Eik-Nes, CEO of Norsvin, highlighted that Norway has been a frontrunner in animal welfare, with practices such as free farrowing and breeding pigs with long tails. The establishment of Delta Norway will allow Topigs Norsvin to export this expertise in producing pigs under such conditions to other countries, further advancing animal welfare standards globally.
Hans Olijslagers, CTO of Topigs Norsvin, emphasized that the new facility will also focus on breeding for robustness traits, including bone and skeleton strength, as well as heart and lung health. This is crucial, as improving pig robustness will lead to higher survival rates, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced animal welfare.
Global Reach and Enhanced Market Opportunities
With Norway recently eradicating APP, a harmless strain of the disease that previously existed in herds, Delta Norway can now export triple SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) animals. This opens up new markets and reduces genetic lag, allowing customers to benefit more quickly from genetic improvements. Customers will notice increased genetic progress in their barns, as well as more boars available for export, thanks to the expanded size and capabilities of Delta Norway.
Delta Norway will also contribute significantly to research on health and robustness traits, including data on survival, bone health, and exterior traits. The use of CT scanning technology at Delta Norway will provide detailed data on carcass yield and other key traits, facilitating a balanced breeding approach that includes low-heritability traits.
Commitment to Continued Innovation
Topigs Norsvin’s investment in Delta Norway reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and future growth. Olav Eik-Nes stated that while Delta Norway completes the current breeding structure plan, there will be continued investments in the future as the company looks for new ways to test pigs under commercial conditions and improve disease resistance. This commitment to innovation is aimed at maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of both Topigs Norsvin and its customers.
Hans Olijslagers noted that the completion of Delta Norway marks the achievement of the company’s goal to double the speed of genetic progress within ten years, which was set following the 2014 merger of Topigs and Norsvin. With Delta Norway, genetic progress is expected to increase even further, reinforcing Topigs Norsvin’s position as a leader in the pig breeding industry.
First Boars Arrive at Delta Norway
The first 237 young boars arrived at Delta Norway in mid-August 2024, with more animals to follow in the coming weeks. These boars, originating from 32 herds in Norway, were quarantined for three weeks before entering the testing phase. The boars have a high health status (SPF) and are free of APP, ensuring their suitability for global export. Testing and feed intake recording began immediately upon their arrival, and after ten weeks, the first boars will be CT scanned and made available for export.
Delta Norway is set to significantly enhance Topigs Norsvin’s genetic program through increased capacity, innovative technologies, and a focus on sustainability and animal welfare. The facility’s opening represents a major advancement in pig breeding and will have a lasting impact on the global pork industry by providing producers with access to higher-quality genetics, improved feed efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
