Professional Dialogue and Exchange of Practical Experience with Topigs and DanBred Partners
This year, Agrofeed Ltd. once again organized a professional meeting for partners and farm specialists working with Topigs genetics. The event aimed to facilitate the exchange of experiences, present current production results, and discuss future challenges facing the industry.
The program opened with a presentation by Hajnalka Laczkó, representing Topigs, who provided a comprehensive overview of the current directions and objectives of genetic development. In addition to reviewing current production performance, participants gained insight into innovative research areas, including studies on the productivity of free-range sows.
Our colleague Vazul Fülöp presented a summary of the reproductive performance of domestic herds, complementing the data with valuable practical experience and noteworthy professional observations.
Agrofeed Ltd.’s own experiences were also highlighted during the event. Results achieved at the company’s experimental farm in Lovászpatona were presented by Botond Alpár, Managing Director of Vivafarm Ltd., with contributions from farm manager Péter Gervald. The presentation focused not only on production indicators but also on the day-to-day challenges of farm management, practical solutions, and opportunities for further development, sparking a lively professional discussion among participants.
Following the coffee break, the event continued in the form of an informal roundtable discussion. Key topics included the nutritional requirements of the genetics, the importance of maternal abilities, as well as issues related to piglet output and milk supplementation. Participants discussed the advantages of both liquid and conventional feeding systems, with particular attention to their application in Topigs genetics. The occasional occurrence of stress sensitivity was also addressed, with partners expressing interest in further genetic and management solutions to mitigate its effects.
The professional exchange of ideas continued over lunch, and by the end of the event participants agreed that the meeting serves as an important platform for knowledge sharing and strengthening cooperation within the industry.
A few days later, professional discussions continued with partners working with DanBred genetics. Representatives of some of the largest pig farms in Hungary participated in the roundtable meeting, where current issues and future development directions of the genetics were discussed.
During his presentation, Ferenc Mátyus outlined the development objectives of the DanBred breeding program and shared production results from leading European farms, particularly those in Denmark. Special attention was given to gilt development and stress sensitivity, both of which are among the key challenges of modern pig production.
The nutritional aspects of stress sensitivity were presented by our colleague Daniella Ottó, who provided a detailed overview of the adjustments and developments implemented in recent years. These included the use of different fiber sources, increased vitamin E levels, and the optimization of amino acid sources within feeding programs.
Our colleague Elemér Demény addressed the practical implementation of genetic recommendations. He explained how the values and guidelines provided by breeding companies can be effectively translated into feed formulation programs, while also sharing valuable insights gained through his professional experience in Denmark.
The discussions focused primarily on practical challenges encountered in everyday farm operations. Topics included the management requirements of the genetics, labor market challenges, sow culling and its underlying causes, as well as potential solutions. Participants agreed that several important topics warrant further discussion, and we look forward to continuing these valuable exchanges with our partners in the future.
We would like to thank all participants for their valuable contributions and for fostering a constructive and engaging professional dialogue.
