The Hypor Libra: Reducing Labor, Increasing Profitability

With the Hypor Libra, producers can manage more pigs with fewer resources. This sow combines excellent mothering ability, strong piglet survival rates, and consistent output over multiple parities. By minimizing labor demands and maximizing output, the Hypor Libra enhances overall farrow-to-wean productivity—supporting profitable and sustainable operations.

More Piglets, Less Labor

Labor is one of the highest costs on any farm—right behind feed and housing. The Hypor Libra was specifically developed to deliver consistent production with reduced labor needs. By improving sow behavior and vitality, producers spend less time managing farrowing and caring for challenged piglets.

This is where the “piglets-per-hour” metric becomes a game changer. It measures how many piglets one employee can manage per hour. A 1,200-head sow farm producing 30 piglets per sow per year with 3.5 full-time employees (working 1,920 hours/year) manages about 5.4 piglets per hour. That’s well above the industry average of under 4 piglets per hour.

• 1.200 sows x 30 weaned/sow per year = 36.000 piglets produced /yr
• 3,5 employees x 1,920 hours / full time = 6,720 hours worked /yr
• 36,000 / 6,720 hours = 5.36 piglets-per-hour.

By increasing efficiency at the farrow-to-wean stage, the Hypor Libra translates into higher productivity, fewer interventions, and significantly lower labor costs per pig produced.

Quality Pigs Require Less Time and Labor

By increasing the number of piglets that each employee can manage per hour, the Hypor Libra helps reduce labor costs significantly. We estimate a reduction of $1.10 to $2.42 USD (or €0.98 to €2.25 EUR) per pig. On a 1,200-sow farm producing more than 36,000 piglets annually, this adds up to potential labor savings of $39,600 to $87,120 USD (€35,280 to €81,000 EUR).

This efficiency is no coincidence. The Hypor Libra was developed through years of targeted selection focused on litter size and uniformity. Geneticists at Hendrix Genetics Swine have collected individual birth weight data for years. They have selected sows that consistently deliver piglets of similar size and weight.

Unlike average litter weights, individual data allows a clearer view of size variation within a litter. This is critical for identifying litters that will produce robust, full-value finishers.

Uniform litters reduce the need for extra care and interventions. That means healthier piglets, smoother management, and less hands-on time from farm staff. An essential advantage in today’s labor-constrained industry.

Sow Longevity and Productivity Drive Profit Margins

To ensure every piglet gets the best possible start, Hendrix Genetics Swine closely monitors 14-day piglet weights as part of its breeding program. This performance indicator not only reflects early growth but also reveals the sow's milk production capacity. An essential factor in farrow-to-wean success. The Hypor Libra consistently demonstrates the ability to raise over 30 piglets per year that each reach 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms) by three weeks of age, all without relying on milk replacer and with minimal cross-fostering.

Early vitality means piglets are more likely to stay healthy through later stages of development. It reduces the need for treatment and interventions down the line. That translates into smoother pig farming operations and lower input costs.

What truly sets the Hypor Libra apart, however, is its exceptional longevity. Geneticists focus on selecting sows that maintain large, uniform litters beyond their first parity. The result is a mother sow capable of producing approximately 2.5 litters of quality piglets per year, and doing so consistently for over six parities.

This long-term performance reduces the frequency of replacements, saving both time and labor. Ultimately, a longer productive life boosts sow-level profitability while freeing up resources to focus on overall herd management.

A Smart Choice for Sustainable Profitability

The Hypor Libra delivers a powerful combination of traits that drive both production and efficiency. By focusing on key performance indicators like piglet quality, sow longevity, and overall ease of management, this sow empowers producers to lower labor costs while increasing total output.

Built on decades of genetic progress, advanced technologies, and the best of Hypor’s Landrace and Large White genetics, the Hypor Libra is the world’s most prolificient sow. She is the perfect balance of prolificacy and efficiency. She supports sustainable success for modern pig farming by delivering more uniform, robust piglets, reducing inputs, and maximizing returns from farrow to wean.

For producers aiming to boost their piglet survival rate, simplify management, and enhance profitability, the Hypor Libra isn’t just a sow. It’s a smart, future-focused investment.

→ Learn more about the Hypor Libra and our full portfolio of swine genetics.