Operations
Taaibosch currently has 2,400 sows in production and includes a specialised Gilt Unit.
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We have our own on-farm feed mill, which has enabled us to mix our own feed to ensure top quality nutrition for our animals.
Nutritional needs are continuously reviewed and improved according to the animals’ needs, raw material costs and availability. By promoting the use of locally grown and processed raw materials, Taaibosch has been reducing transportation costs and the environmental impact of the feed mill. We have also created opportunities for other local farmers and processors to supply quality materials.
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Our business and genetic model is based on bought-in DanBred genetics with a focused gilt unit and commercial piggery. All our terminal semen is supplied by the DanBred Africa AI station.
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We chose DanBred for a few reasons after we carefully evaluated the available genetic suppliers in South Africa by using both a quantitative and qualitative decision matrix which included a small on-farm trial on terminal semen. We believe that the strategic vision of Taaibosch and DanBred Africa is aligned in a way that benefits our business, our clients, and most importantly, the pork consumers. The DanBred Duroc is known for excellent growth, feed conversion ratio, and meat quality, which is a trait Taaibosch has been known for and aims to expand on.
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Read more about Vision 2028.
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Taaibosch is part of the South African Pig Breeders Society and registered at the SA Studbook.
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“Innovation is not about inventing something new,
but finding new ways in doing the same thing,
but in a better, faster and profitable way”
Standards & Certification
We are audited annually to prove that we uphold the Pork 360 quality standards and practices on the farm, of which the aim is to produce high quality, safe and healthy pork.
Pork 360 Certification is a self-regulated industry Quality Assurance system, administrated by the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO)
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On a quarterly basis, we are also audited by the state veterinary services (GDARD) to show adherence to the welfare, quality and bio-security measures, as stipulated by the ZA Registered Pig Compartment, administrated by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
Our sows are in sow group housing. Here they spend their full gestation period of 16 weeks socialising in groups with other pregnant sows. Only a few days before farrowing, they are moved to dedicated farrowing houses, where specific attention is given to the welfare of both the sows and the piglets (sow stall/crate-friendly).
SAMIC (the South African Meat Industry Company) has been appointed by both Woolworths and Pick n Pay as the auditing company for animal welfare. We submit to all these on a voluntary basis, to ensure continuous improvement and quality.
