BREEDING ▶▶▶
Genetics making headway into China
“No” – that was the resolute answer as to whether genetics offer an immediate solution to the African Swine Fever problem in China. The first Global Pig Genetics Summit (GPGS) held in Wuhan, China, however, did explain how genetics, balance-breeding in particular, could positively impact the vast Chinese swine market as it embarks on an era of rebuilding. Pig Progress was there to find out more.
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“In genetics, birth is more im- portant than death,” declared Hans Olijslagers of Topigs Norsvin.
BY ROSIE BURGIN, EDITOR SPECIAL PROJECTS, MISSET
hina first started placing a focus on imported genet- ics in 2009, and ten years later it is clear to see that a good start has been made in securing healthier pig herds in China, but there are still many gains to be
had. Under the slogan of ‘Make tomorrow’s improvement, to- day’, global genetics companies participated in the first Glob- al Pig Genetics Summit (GPGS) in Wuhan, China in May 2019. Organised by AIC consulting (Agri-intelligence consulting) and Douli Media, a selection of key speakers from Cooperl, Topigs Norsvin, Hypor, Genesus, DanBred, NSR and PIC pre- sented their ideas and knowledge to the eager crowd of ap- proximately 230 participants. In addition, two Chinese ex- perts offered their insights into what was said and how relatable it was to the Chinese market. The event was rounded off with lively panel discussions.
Breeding robust animals ‘Robustability’ was a big talking point amongst several speak- ers. “In order to have a higher number of weaned piglets, you need to have a high number of liveborn piglets,” explained Arnaud Buchet, head of R&D at the French pig cooperative, Cooperl. In his presentation he showed that the number of liveborn piglets has been rising sharply since 1995, but also highlighted the importance of birthweight. He said, “Select- ing traits to breed heavier piglets maximises the chance of having high performing pigs.” Hans Olijslagers, chief technology officer of Topigs Norsvin, reaffirmed this: “We have a long term tradition of balanced breeding for lower mortality and better disease resistance. When a piglet with a low birth weight has a high breeding value for vitality, the piglet has a higher chance for survival.” He went on to explain the problem of comparing China’s in- dustry to Western farming practices. “On Dutch farms the mortality rates are low, but these are small farms. In China, farms are a lot bigger and have less labour input, which is causing higher mortality rates.” Breeding stronger animals is the best solution to this prob- lem according to Mr Olijslagers. “If you first produce more piglets at a higher weight, then you can focus on mortality to ensure that more survive. In genetics, birth is more important than death.” Referring to Mr Olijslagers’ presentation, Dr Chen Jianfeng spoke on behalf of Huanshan Group, one of the larger pig producers in Shandong province, China. He said, “The Chi- nese market has not put genetics as a priority, but we see that there is a lot to gain. Breeding requires a lot of invest- ment and we see that the US and Canada for example have invested heavily. I think the market is changing and the big Chinese companies are also investing more. Therefore genet- ic improvement will be inevitable in China. Given the size of the market in China, outside companies need to look for Chinese partners and focus on what the specific market needs are.”
Ensuring pork quality Dr Patrick Charagu, senior geneticist at Hypor, examined three main breeding goals; maximising profitability, animal welfare and improving the quality of the product. He said, “In terms of health, the animals need to be resilient. Disease will
12 ▶PIG PROGRESS | Volume 35, No. 6, 2019
PHOTOS: GPGS
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