In modern pig farming, maximizing profits not only depends on improving production efficiency, but also requires refined management of key factors such as sow survival rate.

In pig farming production, indicators such as total output are often of great concern. However, the mortality rate of sows is also a key performance indicator that cannot be ignored. Excessive mortality rates not only increase production costs, but also affect overall production efficiency and profitability, ultimately directly reducing the economic benefits of the farm.

The increasingly severe industry challenge - the rising mortality rate of sows

In recent years, the mortality rate of sows has shown a significant upward trend. According to industry data in 2023, the mortality rate has approached 16% ¹. For farms, this figure means direct economic losses.

The death of sows during pregnancy or lactation will result in dual economic losses: missed production benefits and additional costs such as pig replacement, labor, and harmless treatment of dead livestock.

A study by Iowa State University shows that for every 1 percentage point decrease in sow mortality, each sow can save $11.40 (approximately 11.05 euros) per year. If this data is extrapolated to a farm with 2500 heads, the annual cost savings can reach approximately $28500 (approximately 27629 euros). This fully demonstrates that reducing the mortality rate of sows has a significant effect on improving the overall efficiency of the farm.

Opportunity loss refers to the loss of profits

Jos é Á ngel Pedrido Rey, a veterinarian and technical service manager at Handkos, pointed out that every sow death means missing an opportunity to maximize investment returns.

The costs caused by the mortality rate of sows mainly include:

Loss of weaned piglets (failure to realize the value of piglets that could have been weaned and sold).

Due to the increased labor costs caused by managing reserve sows and clearing dead livestock.  

The handling fee for dead sows depends on the country/region. Extra cost for adding reserve sows.  

These expenditures will also be exacerbated by "reputation costs" - the increase in mortality rates may create a negative impression of pork production practices among consumers. This highlights the need to adopt a balanced breeding strategy and pig herd management plan that balances profitability and sustainability.  

Long term production solution - Handkos balanced breeding of pigs

Changrong Haiboer Breeding Pig is committed to achieving balanced and sustainable genetic breeding. Ensure that sows like Hypor Libra perform excellently in terms of lifespan, productivity, and health. Unlike single trait breeding that may lead to negative effects such as increased mortality rate, the Haiboli Bo sow perfectly integrates key traits such as high litter size, high feed conversion rate, and excellent sow survival rate.

In addition, one of the core focuses of breeding and selection in Haibol is "sustainable production capacity". The cultivated sows not only have a long lifespan, but can also continue to complete more reproductive cycles while maintaining high yield performance

The actual production data has verified the effectiveness of this breeding concept. After raising Hippo sows on top farms around the world, the average sow survival rate has exceeded 95% ³ in the past four years. This means a significant increase in profitability - requiring fewer reserve sows and a higher return on investment per breeding pig.

Economic benefits of sustained production capacity of sows

The sustained production capacity of sows is a key determinant of the economic benefits of pork production. The Haiboli Bo sow is confirmed by the following advantages:

Reducing the cost of supplementing reserve sows: Each replacement sow will result in a cost of approximately $1140 (€ 1105) (including lost production opportunities) ², while raising Hypor pigs can significantly reduce such demand.  

Improving labor efficiency: The decrease in sow elimination rate means that resources can be reduced in the management of reserve sows, replacement of breeding pigs, and care of primiparous sows and their first born piglets.  

This breeding program not only effectively reduces mortality rates, but also enhances the overall profitability of the production system through precise matching of genetic progress and economic goals.  

Conclusion: Sustainable breeding creates profitable value

The mortality rate of sows has always been a major challenge faced by the pig farming industry. However, scientific breeding strategies and management systems can transform this challenge into development opportunities.  

The sustainable breeding strategy of Changrong Haiboer pigs proves that reducing mortality rates is not only feasible, but also creates benefits. By focusing on long-term production, feeding efficiency, and overall profitability, Changrong and Haibol work together to help producers achieve better production results while meeting today's market demands.