Topigs Norsvin officially opened its new research center Delta Canada on June 27. During the opening event, over 1000 customers and other relations visited the $12 million research equipped with the latest technology to precisely test more than 7,500 boars in a year.

 “It is a historical day for Topigs Norsvin, being the biggest investment ever in R & D (research and development). so far,” states Martin Bijl, Topigs Norsvin International CEO.  

 Delta Canada is an important step in the further development of Topigs Norsvin as a global supplier of genetics, making it easier and faster to supply customers in the USA and Canada.

 Hans Olijslagers, CTO of Topigs Norsvin, says “Delta Canada will substantially increase the genetic progress in our Z line and TN Tempo. It is part of Topigs Norsvin’s long-term breeding strategy and will substantially contribute to our target of doubling genetic progress in the coming period.”

Located near Woodlands in Manitoba, Canada the company faced challenging weather, breaking ground January 17. However, Topigs completed the construction process in a year and a half, set to welcome its first flow of boars July 2 with the goal of specially selected boars delivered to customers or entering artificial insemination centers by December 24, 2018.

Related:Walk inside Topigs Norsvin Delta Canada Research Center

“The hard part starts now. We have to run the thing,” says Cam McGavin, Topigs Norsvin Canada general manager.

Delta Canada

 The new research center has been built with the latest technology to provide maximum animal welfare, highest level biosecurity, and minimal environmental impact. The location is isolated from other pig production and yet it is still close to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, which makes it possible to export high-health boars and semen with the highest genetic value to our customers.

The facility houses 2,600 pigs and will test 7500 young nucleus boars of the TN Tempo sire line and the Z-line dam line every year. Just like the Delta center in Norway, Delta Canada is equipped with IFIR feeding stations for individual feed intake registration and a CT scanner that makes it possible to improve carcass composition, robustness, and meat quality faster and with greater accuracy.

 At the opening event, Canadian dignitaries thanked Topigs for constructing the new facilities in Manitoba providence.

James Bezan, member of Parliament for Silkirk-Interlake-Eastman

“This is a historical investment.  The importance of genetics and overall animal breeding concept is something that is critical to the success of our farmers,” stresses James Bezan, member of Parliament for Silkirk-Interlake-Eastman. “So, to see this investment from a group of owners from Topigs Norsvin to bring their genetic material, to bring their program and expertise right here in Manitoba I think speaks largely to the success of the pork industry here in Manitoba.”

Source: Topigs Norvsin