Hyperprolificacy and the ‘shattered sow syndrome’

The Oxford English Dictionary defines hyperprolificacy as ‘super-abundant production of offspring’. Quite so. Thanks to the geneticist and the increasing skill of the ordinary producer, the 25 weaners/ sow/ year of ten years ago is now considered an acheivable target for anybody, and even passé by some. These leaders are reaching 30, with 220 kg of weaner weight/year and 1.2 tonnes of weaner in a sow’s lifetime. Great stuff! These impressively huge litters now being achieved