Seedstock
Application of Selection Concepts for Genetic Improvement
Publish Date: June 3, 2006
Correct use of selection concepts is essential if genetic improvement is to proceed at a rapid rate. Therefore, seedstock breeders and commercial pork producers need to fully understand the principles of selection which directly influence the amount of genetic improvement made per year. This fact sheet explains the primary concepts necessary to gain an understanding of genetic improvement. Then it discusses the effect of applying selection concepts on genetic improvement.
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Biosecurity and Health Assurance at a Boar Stud
Publish Date: June 3, 2006
Preventing the introduction of disease agents is a continuous challenge for pork producers and veterinarians. When a farm or site is affected by disease, the impact can be devastating to the health of the swine and the producer’s bottom line. If a foreign animal disease were to overcome the biosecurity safeguards in place on our farms and our country, it would have a devastating effect on all pork producers. One route of disease entry to a farm is through introduction of genetic material. Introduction of live animals offers the greatest risk of disease transmission. Artificial insemination can lessen this risk; however, biosecurity still is very important because bacteria and viruses can spread from infected boars to females through semen. Consequently, it is recommended that producers and veterinarians develop farm-specific biosecurity protocols for purchased or delivered semen.
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