In 2012, TOPIGS realised a genetic progress of €2.64 per finisher pig. This genetic progress is far greater than in previous years. For example, in 2009 the genetic progress was €1.33. An improvement of €2.64 means that compared to 2011, a TOPIGS pig has the genetic capacities to realise a profit that is €2.64 higher due to better quality and lower production costs. In the last four years, the genetic capacity has improved by a total of almost €8 per finisher.

The improvement in genetic progress is the result of an updated breeding goal, the extensive use of individual feed intake registration during the rearing of breeding pigs in nucleus herds and the implementation of the live muscle scan that measures the leanness and muscling of live pigs. Also, the first effects of the use of genomic selection are visible in the genetic progress of 2012.

In 2012, almost 75 per cent of the genetic progress was realised in finisher traits. This means that the TOPIGS pig improves fast on traits such as feed efficiency and carcass quality. Besides this massive improvement in finisher traits, reproduction traits are also improving faster than in the past.
It is expected that the genetic progress per year will increase further when the effects of using genomic selection become increasingly visible in genetic progress.

With a production of more than 1.25 million crossbred gilts and over seven million doses of semen per year, TOPIGS is one of the biggest genetics suppliers in the world. In several countries, TOPIGS is either the market leader or one of the major suppliers. TOPIGS stands for progress in pigs. This means research, innovation and genetic improvement are the cornerstones of our company. By continuously improving its products, the company enables its clients to achieve maximum results.