English pig producers were keen to hear what it is that helps the Dutch industry achieve an average 27 pigs weaned per sow per year. They took the chance to quiz Dr Soede and her colleagues Professor Bas Kemp and Dr Hanneke Feitsma on many aspects of reproductive management.

Dr Soede emphasised that one of the most important factors for successful insemination timing and establishing pregnancy is to minimise stress and focus on 'animal-directed' management.

Professor Kemp explained the delicate balance between under- and over-feeding during early lactation and gave clear advice on the different requirements of sows and gilts.

The importance of close attention to detail was highlighted by Dr Hanneke Feitsma, as she shared her knowledge on current and future AI technologies.

There were 190 attendees between the two events, held in Wetherby and Milton Keynes.

Producer Simon Watchorn said afterwards: "It was one of the best events I've been to and the most I've ever learned. I'll be reviewing whether there are things I can change on my own unit."

Look out for more advice and information from the conference at the special web site [click here] in the next few weeks. Also check for local meetings on the events pages, where there will be more discussion of these topics.

Professor Bas Kemp and Dr Nicoline Soede are both from the Animal Science Department at Wageningen University and Dr Hanneke Feitsma is from IPG Netherlands.