Bruce Zierke The Zierke Co.

Publish Date: June 3, 2006

Profitability of a pork production system relies on reducing the cost per unit of output that is achieved. There are opportunities to increase the profitability of the pork production system by genetic improvement of performance traits. Selection of superior individuals as parents within breeds and choice of breeds or composite lines to be used in crossbreeding systems are the general tools that breeders have available to bring about this genetic improvement. The use of genetically selected sire and dam lines enhances the performance of terminal crossbreeding systems. In this publication, the potential for greater genetic improvement through the use of specialized sire and dam lines is discussed.

Publish Date: June 3, 2006

Ultrasonic measurement is a viable method to estimate backfat thickness and loin muscle area in the live pig. However accuracy of ultrasonic estimates are technician dependent. The National Swine Improvement Federation (NSIF) has implemented programs to standardize ultrasonic measurement for these traits. These programs consist of a workshop and training session a scanning practicum for participants and a written exam. Participants will be evaluated for their ability to predict carcass data, repeatability of their measurements and bias of live measurements as compared to carcass data. Persons that receive NSIF certification status must meet or surpass NSIF standards.