Breeding
World-class genetics, Irish expertise and proven performance. Ashleigh Breeders combines Danish breeding genetics, data-led selection and practical technical support to help Irish pig producers achieve their production potential.
Our Story
Built on a foundation of Danish genetics
Ashleigh Breeders began with the importation of 50 purebred Large White (Danish Yorkshire) gilts from Avlscenter Rønshauge A/S in Denmark.
From that foundation, we developed a dedicated 450-sow purebred Large White herd, producing F1 replacement gilts for our own Ashleigh Farms operations and for commercial pig producers throughout Ireland.
Today, Ashleigh Breeders genetics support a combined breeding population of approximately 10,000 sows. Our aim is to combine continuous genetic progress with the practical knowledge needed to deliver results on commercial farms.
Our Breeding Approach
Genetic progress driven by reliable information
We believe every generation should represent an opportunity to improve. Our breeding decisions draw on pedigree and parentage records, parental breeding indexes, historical results and individual animal performance.
Routine DNA testing, together with genetic information and samples shared with our Danish breeding connections, supports parentage verification, genetic integrity and informed selection.
Our breeding programme draws on Danish genetic lines associated with Danish Genetics, now part of Hendrix Genetics Swine. We aim to keep our herd closely aligned with advances in breeding value while selecting for traits that matter in commercial production: reproductive performance, piglet survival, maternal ability, robustness, longevity and efficiency.
Genetics Proven in Our Own Production System
Piglets born alive per litter
Piglets weaned per litter
Piglets weaned per sow per year
FCR, weaning to sale
ADG, weaning to sale
Reported Ashleigh Farms commercial production performance. Individual farm results will vary with management and conditions.
Commercial Results
Closing the gap between genetic potential and farm performance
Excellent genetics are only valuable when they translate into results. At Ashleigh Farms, our commercial production provides a practical environment in which to assess the performance of our breeding programme.
Our focus is on helping customers unlock the potential of their replacement gilts through strong herd management, nutrition, health planning and careful performance monitoring.
By combining genetic improvement with practical farming experience, we work toward more productive, efficient and resilient breeding herds.
Protecting Herd Health
Biosecurity is central to our breeding programme
Introducing replacement gilts is an important step in the health management of any breeding herd. At Ashleigh Breeders, we place a strong emphasis on protecting the health of our animals and reducing avoidable disease risks throughout gilt production and delivery.
All our replacement gilts are transferred in an enclosed, filtered livestock trailer. This is an important part of our approach to reducing exposure during transport and helping safeguard both our breeding stock and customer herds.
We encourage customers to combine secure transport with their own veterinary-led arrival, isolation, acclimatisation and biosecurity procedures. Effective biosecurity depends on the complete process, from our farm to yours.
Beyond Genetics
Technical support and customer partnership
Our ambition is to be more than a supplier of replacement gilts. We are developing Ashleigh Breeders as a complete genetics and technical-support partner for Irish pig producers.
Drawing on our own experience in commercial pig production, we work with customers and their management teams to review performance, identify opportunities and put practical improvements into action.
Nutrition
Advice on feeding strategies for replacement gilts, gestation and lactation.
Production
Performance reviews, KPI analysis and practical breeding-management advice.
Herd Health
Support with herd-health planning in collaboration with farm veterinary teams.
Management Teams
Hands-on guidance, shared knowledge and support for continuous improvement.
Our Commitment
Advancing genetics. Supporting farmers. Delivering performance.
Genetic progress never stands still, and neither do we. We are committed to improving the breeding value of our herd, strengthening the performance of our F1 gilts and helping Irish pig producers translate genetic potential into measurable commercial results.
We don’t just supply genetics. We help our customers unlock their potential.
Contact Us
Ashleigh Farms Ltd
Ballinameela, Cappagh,
Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
Email: info@ashleighfarms.ie
Careers
To apply for a job with Ashleigh Farms, please send a cover letter together with your C.V. to: info@ashleighfarms.ie
