Productivity analysis of 70 farrow-to-finish swine farms in Japan from 2013 to 2018

Abstract

Improving productivity is an urgent issue in the swine industry if it is to compete internationally. However, lack of data about recent productivity transition obstructs stakeholder planning. This study investigated the yearly productivity trends among farrow-tofinish swine farms in Japan using annual productivity data from 2013-2018 obtained for 70 farms in Japan. The productivity parameters analyzed were pigs born alive per litter (PBA), preweaning mortality (PRWM), pigs weaned per litter (PWL), litters per mated female per year (LMFY), pigs weaned per mated female per year (PWMFY), post-weaning mortality (POWM) and marketed pigs per mated female per year (MP). Data were classified into three groups based on the size of the average female inventory and compared among groups. Results presented the mean PBA increased continuously over the 6-year period (P < 0.001), and the PWL, PWMFY, and MP means began increasing after 2015 (P < 0.001). These upward trends were particularly remarkable on large farms. The mean PRWM increased sharply in 2014, thus inhibiting the increases in PWL, PWMFY, and MP for the same year. The LMFY and POWM means did not change during the study period. Altogether, productivity in Japan improved markedly during the study period, indicating highly prolific sows were well utilized with suitable breeding techniques among farmers these days. Continued genetic improvement and sow management would aid further development in Japan.

Genetic parameter estimation for pork production and litter performance traits of Landrace, Large White, and Duroc pigs in Japan

“…Note that, in Japan, various unique populations, which have been genetically improved for ADG and meat quality traits including intramuscular fat content while keeping BF neither too thick nor too thin (e.g., Ohnishi & Satoh, 2018; Suzuki et al, 2005; Takahashi, 2005), have been produced, occasionally by applying restricted selection approaches for desired genetic gains (Quaas & Henderson, 1976; Satoh, 2004; Yamada et al, 1975). Although upward trends for NBA and LSW in recent years have been observed for purebred Landrace, Large White, and Duroc pigs in Japan, there would be gaps in them between Japan and Western countries (Ogura et al, 2022). In the studied populations, if needed, cross‐fostering was performed within two days after farrowing aiming to adjust for LSS as much as possible.…”