Pig Genetics Info

Presentation for phone seminar by Dr Wendy Rauw Thursday 20 September 2007, 1pm (EST) and Thursday 27 September 2007, 1pm (EST).

For further information please contact Dr Susanne Hermesch via email Susanne.Hermesch@une.edu.au

Pig performance can be improved greatly by using pigs with a higher genetic potential. However, the potential benefits of using superior genetics are not always fully understood. It is therefore the aim of the AGBU Pig Genetics Info sheets to provide general information about pig genetics. Information sheets will be available for the following topics.

PIGBLUP

This information will specifically outline features of PIGBLUP and is mostly of interest to current and potential PIGBLUP users.

PIGBLUP1: Genetic evaluation systems for pigs used in Australia

PBSELECT1: The online PIGBLUP service

Pig genetics

Principles of genetics with special reference to pig genetics will be explained. This is of interest to seedstock breeders, industry consultants and interested producers.

Genetics1: Summary of papers relevant to pig genetics presented at 7th World Congress Applied to Livestock production

Genetics2: Pig Genetics: How to get information

Practical pig breeding – purebred populations

Practical aspects of selecting superior pigs within purebred populations will be described.

Breeder1: Benefits of using PIGBLUP in pig breeding programs

Breeder2: Selection strategies for increased litter size and reduced litter mortality

Breeder3: Sow reproductive performance - Selection for litter size only is not enough

Breeder4: Boar EBVs predict differences in average progeny performance better than the boar's own performance

Breeder5: Evaluating trial designs for a proof of EBVs demonstration

Practical pig breeding – crossbred populations

The emphasis is to demonstrate the economic benefits of using superior genetics. Producers will find this information most useful.

Producer1: EBVs are a better predictor of genetic differences between pigs than performance records

Producer2: EBVs can only be compared from the same genetic evaluation

Producer3: Using EBVs to select replacement stock improves profitability

Information about the National Pig Improvement Program (NPIP)

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are the most accurate information about the genetic merit of an animal. EBVs from the NPIP will be displayed for boars available in AI stations along with other news from the NPIP.

The latest information about EBVs for AI boars is available from the web pages of the NPIP.

NPIP1: The National Pig Improvement Program

Other Resources

Fact sheets from NSW DPI.

Primefact 62: Breeds of pigs - Large White

Primefact 63: Breeds of pigs - Landrace

Primefact 64: Breeds of pigs - Duroc

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