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Many may not be aware, but well over half of the breeding goal for DanBred genetics focuses on improving pig robustness – and this has been the case for several years. In fact, 69% of the total genetic progress from DanBred comes from increased survival among piglets and sows, all-round robustness, and enhanced mothering ability in the sow. These four factors all contribute to improved pig health and welfare in the herd. For years, DanBred genetics have focused on improving piglet survival.

In Illinois, U.S., just outside Springfield, you will find a family-owned pig farm run by four brothers Brad, Bret, Chad, and Chris Burgener. At Burgener’s farms, they have 800 sows and produce pigs from farrowing to finish, together with Bret’s son, Brock Burgener, and son-in-law, Nolan Boyer. They have switched to 100% DanBred genetics and are currently producing their first DanBred Hybrids. In the coming year, we will follow their journey closely.

It is valuable to use nurse sows to help improve piglet survival by ensuring that all piglets have access to sow milk. Choosing the right strategy will make a big difference in the success rates and productivity of the nurse sows. DanBred has two recommended strategies for nurse sows, which are illustrated in this figure: One-step: A sow weans her own litter after at least 21 days and is then assigned a new litter of newborn piglets.

As you walk through the barns, everything is calm. In the farrowing unit, the sows lie peacefully while the piglets get a drink of milk, and in the mating and gestation units, the sows look up curiously or come closer to see if you have brought something tasty. Thygrisen located in Denmark has 1,450 DanBred sows and can feel that they are now gaining full control of management after the change – even though the difference turned out to be greater than expected.

Many years of breeding for feed efficiency have made the DanBred finisher one of the most feed efficient finishers in the world. Today, a DanBred finisher consumes 29 kg less feed than it did just 14 years ago. This results in significant economic savings on what is probably the largest cost for pig producers – feed. Lower feed intake also means that the DanBred finisher emits 40 kg less CO₂ equivalents than it did 14 years ago.

At Greensgaard in Denmark, they have 1,050 sows and produce 30,000 finisher per year, which are sold directly to the national supermarket chain REMA 1000. The whole idea of free‑range pigs began back in 1995, after Peter visited England and saw outdoor pigs for the first time. He then returned home determined to figure out how it could be done successfully in Denmark.

DanBred’s measuring tape can be used as an alternative to weighing the gilt. DanBred gilts should be serviced when they weigh between 150-165 kg, which is clearly marked on the tape. The tape is an easy and safe tool when weighing gilts is not possible. “The measuring tape has been tested by SEGES innovation and in herds and is particularly accurate in the weight range we want gilts to have at first service.

In 2025, revenue increased to over 175 M EUR, corresponding to a growth of approximately 20% compared to 2024 (147 M EUR). EBITDA reached more than 16.1 M EUR, up from 8.2 M EUR the previous year. Profit before tax totalled 13.6 M EUR, more than doubling from 6 M EUR in 2024. New growth strategy In 2025, DanBred launched the growth strategy Growing Stronger, Proving More, which focuses on increasing the company’s global presence and bringing DanBred genetics closer to the customers.

The staff pay close attention to treating the 1200 sows with respect and kindness everyday. In a busy daily schedule, the pace can easily become too fast, but at Gråbjerggård and the 25 other farms producing both weaners and finishers under Kjær Knudsen Agro, calmness is always a priority. Stressed pigs come at a cost, both in welfare and on the bottom line.

This still requires focus, discipline, and training of employees, but the outlook is promising. Mette Lundsgaard is an independent consultant and farmer, and she clearly sees how genetic progress and improved management make a difference in everyday life both in her own herd and among customers at home and abroad. “I am pleased that we maintain focus on the viable sow and piglet.