National Pig Performance Testing Science

• Stud Breeders

• Scientists

• ARC-AII

• SA Studbook

• Genetic

• technology (DNA testing)

• Pig GEN (AI station)

• International expertise and collaboration

• Other

• National Pig Information System (PISSA)

• Science and computer technology. Electronic data transfer

• Shortest turnover time

• High accuracies of data and breeding values (Pig PRO)

• Application of technology and biotechnology

Phase B: Central Testing

• Random sampling performance testing

• Individual recording of growth, feed conversion and backfat thickness

• Detailed carcase evaluation

• Ascertaining national genetic trends of carcase and production traits

• Visual appraisal

Utilisation of advanced genetic evaluation procedures (VCE, Pig BLUP, PEST)

Phase D: On farm testing

• Makes provision for individual and group testing

• Involve the testing of sows and boars

• On farm visits and monitoring

• Utilisation of PIG BLUP

• Electronic data interchange

• Pig production and pig judging short courses

• Certification of genetic merit of herds

• Post graduate studies/degrees

• Accurate and timely identification of superior animals for breeding, AI and Pig Gen

• Identification of Blue CHIP boars

• Estimation of national breeding values

• Monitoring of trends (genetic and environmental on farm and central)

• Scientific and popular articles

• Performance tested breeding animals for the industry

PEST

PEST is a software package for multivariate prediction and estimation

VCE

is a computer programme to estimate co-variance matrixes in a general manner. Three methods are available:

* REML (using analytical gradients)
 * Monte Carlo EM (which also uses REML)
* Gibbs sampling

PIG BLUP

is a comprehensive within herd genetic evaluation computer programme. PIG BLUP forms the backbone of on-farm selections and decisions.

Compiled by Danie Visser, ARC-Animal Improvement Institute. Copiright ARC-Animal Improvement Institute