A strong start makes all the difference
TN Duroc delivers Early Phase Vitality; stronger piglets, better survival, and faster growth from day one.
A strong start makes all the difference: How TN Duroc delivers Early Phase Vitality that pays off
In pork production, the farrowing phase sets the tone for the entire production cycle. Producers know that what happens in those first few days doesn’t just affect weaning, it impacts performance all the way through finishing.
A strong start isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. That’s where the TN Duroc terminal sire stands out. TN Duroc offspring enter the world with built-in advantages that support efficient, high-performing pig production from day one. We call it Early Phase Vitality.
Offspring from Topigs Norsvin’s TN Duroc demonstrate strong Early Phase Vitality, evident in their offspring’s higher birth weights, instinctive nursing after birth, and enhanced pre-weaning survival rates. These early-life advantages contribute to uniformity, robustness and efficiency in performance throughout the production cycle.
Built to be bigger, stronger at birthIt starts with birth weight. TN Duroc-sired piglets are consistently born heavier. Trials in the U.S. report a 0.06 to 0.16-pound advantage over other Duroc lines. This isn’t just a number on a scale; it’s a direct indicator of the piglet’s vitality.
Heavier piglets are more robust, with better-developed organs and greater energy reserves. The extra strength leads to more vigorous nursing, faster growth and fewer early health issues. Producers report reduced labor and less time spent intervening during the farrowing phase. In short, healthier piglets result in fewer setbacks and a smoother transition to the other phases of production.
Colostrum intake: The cornerstone of piglet resilienceOne of the most critical advantages of TN Duroc piglets is their ability to quickly reach the udder and consume colostrum. Their strength and activity, driven by high birth weights, enable them to ingest sufficient colostrum within the short window when it is most effective.
Each piglet needs to absorb about 8.5 ounces (250 ml) of colostrum immediately after birth. This intake is vital, as a newborn piglet’s gut can only absorb immunoglobulins for the first few hours. The energy, nutrients and antibodies in colostrum are essential for kickstarting immune development and providing resilience against early-life challenges.
Early phase vitality sets the TN Duroc apart. TN Duroc-sired piglets consistently demonstrate the vigor to reach the udder quickly and begin colostrum intake, giving them a strong start from day one. This positions them for long-term success, robust immunity, faster growth and better survivability in the farrowing room and throughout the entire production cycle. High colostrum intake during the critical window also leads to less labor. Producers invest less time managing weak piglets, allowing for more efficient barn operations and better use of labor resources.
More piglets survive, thriveThe advantage doesn’t stop at birth. According to recent U.S. trials, pre-weaning survival rates for TN Duroc offspring outpace those of competitor lines by 2.3 to 5.9%. In one example, TN Duroc litters had a survival rate of 90.8% compared to 84.9% from a competitor line.
Scientific on-farm trials have shown that pre-weaning survival rates for TN Duroc offspring are 2.3 to 5.9% higher compared to offspring of competitor Duroc lines.
Even more impressive? These piglets don’t just survive; they excel. Weaning weights averaged 0.6 pounds heavier in TN Duroc offspring, giving them a head start that is realized in their feed intake, daily gain and finishing performance. When every piglet counts, these small margins add up to big results.
The bottom line: Early strength drives efficiencyTN Duroc piglets start stronger, grow faster and have higher survivability. Their natural instinct to nurse and quickly intake colostrum helps build resilience from the inside out, reducing health problems and labor needs in every phase of production.
For producers focused on maximizing efficiency and getting more pigs weaned, the early-phase vitality of TN Duroc is a measurable performance advantage. In today’s competitive market, that strong start could be the difference that drives your bottom line.
Sponsored by Topigs Norsvin.
