Farrowing Update

As the end of 2022 draws to a close, we have recorded 143 farrowing from our supporters from all over the UK. There have been over !,250 piglets born, 51.3% boars and 48.7% gilts, a negligible variance in what would be expected as a 50:50 split.

Cynthia tops the charts with 17.5% of our recorded farrowing, closely followed by Clare on 13.3%, at the other end of the spectrum is Alison with 3.5% and Mary with 2.1%. With such a variance in bloodline counts, considerations in 2023 for out GSA program will be on those gilts lines at with fewer representations.

The boar lines are more evenly balances with little variance between Alistair, Alexander and Jack who equate to 86% of our wirings. Clarence is a little way behind with 14%, but not of significant concern, but it would be nice to see more use of the Clarence across our supporters.

With the largest density of breeders in the UK, it is no surprise that once again the South West top the farrowing charts with 32.86% of farrowing. Its fantastic to see such a significant rise in farrowing in Scotland, with 15 from our supportive members from the scottish border to the highlands.

The average litter size shows a variance by region, but with varying farrowing counts this would be expected. Over all the average litter comes in at 8.9 piglets per farrowing, but in wales is as much as 10.1, but at the other side of the country in Anglia the average falls to 7.1. It would be interesting to explore as we go forward the ages of the sows bred in relation to these numbers.

If you have farrowing data and/or want to be included in our research please reach out to either Kim or Andrew