Breeding Guidelines and Selection Traits

Guidelines for Selection in Breeding Programs

  • Well-Developed Underline

    • Importance of underline development for reproductive health and offspring viability.

  • Reproductive Soundness

    • Definition: The ability of an animal to reproduce successfully.

    • Indicators: Small vulva may indicate issues.

  • Feet and Leg Soundness

    • Considerations for animal mobility and overall health.

  • Performance Considerations

    • Assessing the performance of breeding stock in terms of productivity and health.

Selection: Visual Evaluation

  • Visual assessments are crucial for identifying desirable traits in breeding stock.

Selection: Traits

  • Expected Progeny Differences (EPD)

    • Definition: A prediction of a progeny's performance compared to other individuals.

    • Useful tool for breed improvement and selection.

Selection: Traits (Continued)

  • Selection Index

    • A tool that combines multiple traits into a single value for selection purposes.

Selection: Marker Assisted

  • Quantitative Trait Selection (QTL)

    • Definition: Identifying specific genes associated with quantitative traits that can influence performance.

    • Examples of associated genes:

    • HAL Gene

      • Notable for its association with meat quality.

    • ESR Gene

      • Influences reproductive traits and efficiency.

Selection: Marker Assisted (Continued)

  • Quantitative Trait Selection (QTL) (Continued)

    • Additional examples of genes influencing traits:

    • K88 gene

      • Associated with post-weaning performance and health traits.

    • Skin Color

      • Selection criteria based on genetic markers affecting skin pigmentation.

Scenario Analysis for Breeding Selection

Scenario A: Terminal Trait Production

  • Rank the following gilts based on predicted performance for terminal traits:

    • 1: NBA + 0.32, LWT + 2.7, DAYS - 1.9, BF + 0.05

    • 2: NBA + 0.32, LWT + 2.7, DAYS - 0.2, BF + 0.02

    • 3: NBA + 0.32, LWT + 2.7, DAYS - 1.8, BF - 0.05

    • 4: NBA + 0.29, LWT + 4.6, DAYS - 0.8, BF - 0.02

Scenario B: Replacement Gilt Production

  • Rank the following gilts based on usability for producing replacement gilts:

    • 1: NBA + 0.00, LWT + 0.5, DAYS - 2.9, BF + 0.04

    • 2: NBA + 0.60, LWT + 3.7, DAYS - 2.4, BF + 0.03

    • 3: NBA + 0.25, LWT + 1.7, DAYS + 0.8, BF - 0.02

    • 4: NBA + 0.60, LWT + 3.7, DAYS - 2.6, BF - 0.03

Scenario C: Improving Litter Quality

  • Choose a gilt for producing replacement gilts with a focus on improving litters:

    • 1: MLI 97, TSI 110, SPI 102

    • 2: MLI 101, TSI 98, SPI 100

    • 3: MLI 112, TSI 110, SPI 110

    • 4: MLI 110, TSI 115, SPI 112

Scenario D: Terminal Sire Production

  • Choose a gilt for producing terminal sires:

    • 1: MLI 97, TSI 110, SPI 102

    • 2: MLI 101, TSI 98, SPI 100

    • 3: MLI 112, TSI 110, SPI 110

    • 4: MLI 110, TSI 115, SPI 112

Scenario E: Quality Improvement in Farrow-to-Finish Operations

  • Choose a gilt for improving overall quality in a farrow-to-finish operation:

    • 1: MLI 97, TSI 110, SPI 102

    • 2: MLI 101, TSI 98, SPI 100

    • 3: MLI 112, TSI 110, SPI 110

    • 4: MLI 110, TSI 115, SPI 112