Breeders

The Netherlands is internationally renowned for the quality of its pig breeding material. This is down to the male pigs' (boars') sperm. The properties of the sperm are the main factors in determining the quality of the pig born, and so also the quality of the pork.

The general properties derive from the breed, such as the Dutch Landrace or the Dutch Great Yorkshire breeds. Each breed of pig has its specific characteristics in terms of meat quality, speed of rearing and sensitivity to stress. Stress affects the meat quality. That’s why the stockbreeder and farm take this into account as well.

Other characteristics are more specific. For bacon for the English market the pig must have the right amount of fat in its meat to ensure the best taste and have exactly the correct bacon rind thickness. German buyers want lean meat with a pale colour. This requires a pig with different qualities. For an Italian ham the pig must have a well developed rump. Then the meat’s fat content is all important. Finally, the meat must not lose moisture and colour, and size and weight must be uniform and consistent. The foundation of all these properties is laid when the animal is bred.

VION Farming’s field service workers know the requirements of the market. They also know the pig farmers and how they work. They are therefore able to bring the piglet with the right qualities to the right pig farmer.