1. Three Primary Pork Industry Organizations
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC)
National Pork Board (NPB)
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF)

2. National Pork Producers Council
National Swine Growers Council - voluntary organization organized in mid 1950s
Name changed to National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) in 1964
Voluntary market deduction - checkoff
1966 NHF articles - “Blueprint for Decision”
state associations organized
“Nickels for Profit” - nationwide checkoff program

3. National Pork Producers Council
Largest commodity organization in the U.S.
44 state associations - 85,000 members
Producer-run organization - grassroots involvement
Headquartered in Des Moines, IA
Branch office in Washington, D.C.

4. National Pork Board (NPB)
15 members appointed by Secretary of Agriculture
Set national checkoff rate and determine % of funds returned to state producer organizations
Collect, distribute, and account for all checkoff funds
Develop budgets, award contracts, evaluate all checkoff-funded programs

5. National Legislative Pork Checkoff
Approved by Congress in December 1985
Purpose is to provide funds for pork promotion, research, consumer information
All producers and importers of pork products contribute portion of sales
Current checkoff rate is 0.45% of value
Referendum vote - September 2000
Mandatory checkoff was defeated

6. NPPC & NPB

7. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF)
Works with nation’s meat and livestock industry to identify and develop overseas markets for U.S. beef, pork, and lamb
Based in Denver, Colorado
International offices - Tokyo, Singapore, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Taipei, Osaka, Mexico City, Shanghai, Seoul, Moscow, Beirut
Works to increase meat exports by creating visibility of demand for U.S. meat products

8. National Swine Improvement Federation (NSIF)
National testing organization - 35 years
Representatives of all facets of the industry - producers, universities, seedstock companies
Guidelines for Uniform Swine Improvement Programs
Real-time ultrasound certification

9. Purpose of NSIF Uniform testing procedures
Develop individual testing programs
Cooperation among segments of the industry
Education programs for the industry
Confidence in performance testing

10. History -- Where have we been?
1950s -- Fat-Type Hog
1960s -- Meat-Type Hog
1970s -- Large Framed,
Flat Muscled Hog
1980s -- Wide Bodied, Fast
Growing Hog
1990s -- Lean-Type Hog
2000s -- Lean-Type Hog with
Quality Emphasis????

11. Early Attempts to Evaluate Genetics -- 1950s-1960s
Live animal shows - carcass contests
Meat type hog standards
Certification program - PR litters - Certified Meat Sires
Backfat probe
Central testing stations
Genetically correlated problems with selection for meat type hogs

12. Certification Standards -- 1953
Must meet P.R. requirements - 8 pigs weaned
Litter weight at 56 days (Sows - 320#, Gilts - 275#)
Weigh 200 lbs. In 180 days
Weigh between 180 – 230 lbs. At slaughter
Three weight categories
Live weight Length Backfat Loineye
180 – – –
200 – – –
215 – – –

13. Seedstock Production: 1960s -1970s
Seedstock industry dominated by purebred breeders
Each farm had only one breed
Individual breed identity
Few crossbreds sold
Production sales
Shows and carcass contests
Central testing stations

14. Pork Production: 1960s s
Large number of small diversified operations
Rotational crossbreeding systems
Most time spent breeding sows, grinding feed, loading hogs, etc.
Numerous packer buying stations
Little grade and yield, contracting
Little attention to meat quality
Seedstock industry dominated by purebred breeders

15. Industry Transition: 1980s - 1990s
Larger and fewer production units
Intensive management - specialization
Terminal crossbreeding systems
Technology - AI, SEW, nutrition, etc.
Plant delivery of hogs
Corporate breeding companies
On farm testing - BLUP technology
Environmental concerns
Production shift away from Cornbelt

16. Industry in 2010 Continued Consumer-driven industry
consolidation of production systems
Vertical integration and coordination
Lower profit margins
Especially throughout 2008 – 2009
Loss of producer equity
Consumer-driven industry
Continued focus on consumer food demand
Increased interest in consumer interest in animal welfare and environment
Emergence of welfare and environmentally based marketing of pork to producers.
More organic, antibiotic free, etc. programs because consumers want them

17. Industry in 2010 Emphasis on feed efficiency and growth rate
Importance of throughput in grow – finish
Continued move to wean - to – finish for grow – finish facilities
Continued emphasis on lean
Focus on carcass size ultimately impacting primal cut size
Improves throughput of the packing secgtor
Emphasis on meat and eating quality
Supply of genetics dominated by breeding companies

18. Enhancements to Genetic Evaluation
Computer technology
Larger, intensive seedstock
production units
Data management systems
Artificial insemination - connectedness
Real-Time ultrasound - accuracy of evaluation

19. Products of Seedstock Suppliers
Genetics - genetic merit of the pigs
System - terminal crossbreeding system, specialized lines, etc.
Service - recommendations, consultation, records, etc.

20. Structure of the Seedstock Industry
Independent seedstock producers
Corporate breeding companies

21. Independent Seedstock Producers
Purebred based, most have 2+ breeds
Herd size varies, multipliers, networks
Purebred & F1 boars, F1 & 3-way cross gilts
Extensive on-farm testing - individual records
Genetic variation - breed is one large herd through national testing program - STAGES

22. Berkshire One of the oldest breeds (1823 in the U.S.)
Imported from England - counties of Berkshire and Wiltshire
American Berkshire Association established in first swine registry in the world
Original Berkshire - reddish or sandy color - crossed with Siamese and Chinese pigs

23. Berkshires, cont.
Chester and Delaware counties in PN (near Lancaster County)
Dominated market shows in 1940s and 1950s
Black with six white points and erect ears
Confinement adaptability, aggressive breeders
Superior muscle quality
Export marketing programs

24. Chester White Early 19th century - Chester County, PA
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire breeds from UK, Chester breed in NY
Several early associations - combined starting 1911
Solid white with drooping ears
Large litters, mothering ability
Little use outside of U.S.
Good meat quality

25. Duroc First called Duroc-Jersey (Association established in 1883)
Started from Jersey Reds of New Jersey, red Durocs of New York
Originally from Spain and Portugal, also Guinea coast of Africa
Reddish-brown strain of Berks

26. Duroc, cont. Influenced by Danish and Canadian imports
Reddish color with drooping ears
Fast growth, feed efficiency, rugged, durable
Superior muscle quality - intramuscular fat
Terminal sire used widely throughout the world

27. Hampshire One of oldest American breeds
Boone Co., KY - imported from Hampshire County in England
From “Old English Breed” from Scotland and Saddleback
Association established in American Thin Rind Association
Black with white belt, erect ears
Leanness, carcass desirability

28. Landrace Descendents of Danish Landrace
Imported from Denmark by USDA in 1934, others from Norway and Sweden
Association established in 1950, known as bacon type hog
Solid white with large, floppy ears - long-bodied
Mothering ability, survival rate

29. Poland Originated from more different
breeds than any other breed of livestock
Warren and Butler Counties in Ohio ( )
Wide swings in popularity
Black with six white points and drooping ears
Meaty carcasses, large loin eyes

30. Spotted Descended from original Poland China in Ohio
Developed in Indiana, association established in 1914
First known as Spotted Poland China
Opened herdbook to Poland China in 1970s and Pietrain in 1990s
White with black spots and drooping ears
Fast growth rate, aggressive males

31. Yorkshire Imported from northern England in York County around 1830
Known as Large White in Europe, "Mother breed"
Heavily influenced by recent importations from Sweden, England, Canada
White with erect ears - long, big frame
Have led in use of STAGES program

32. Litter Recordings by Breed

33. Litter Recordings By Breed

34. Litter Recordings - All Breeds

35. Pietrain From village of Pietrain, Belgium
Exported to France and Germany
Medium size - white with black spots
Shorter legs, stocky, bulging hams
Extreme muscle, high lean%
Used by breeding companies to increase lean%
HAL gene - poor meat quality

36. USA Breeding Companies
Trained geneticists
Elaborate, large scale testing programs
Tightly controlled health program
Large scale, national advertisement
Large volume suppliers
Complete control of germplasm
Numerous companies originated in England, Holland, Belgium

37. Babcock Genetics
First called Midwest Swine, mainly in WI and MN - target small - medium size herds
Nucleus herd located in Wisconsin
Uses sales staff and contract production herds
Closed Herd System – rotaterminal on-site gilt replacement
Have eliminated the stress gene - first company to certify breeding stock free of the HAL gene

38. Farmers Hybrid Founded in 1938 as seed corn company
Swine breeding company started near Hampton, IA (1941)
Purchased by Monsanto in 1969
Early history was rotational scheme with synthetic breeds
First company to hire Ph.D. geneticist (Dr. Earl Lasley)
No longer in business

39. PIC International Founded in 1962 by group of
commercial producers in England
Purchased by Dalgety corporation
Came to U.S. about 25 years ago
Original elite herds in Kentucky and Wisconsin
Nucleus herd in Oklahoma

40. PIC International Female program based on
Camborough female (LW x Swed. Land.)
27 pure lines at nucleus level
Largest company in the world (30+ countries)
Licensed for Hal 1843* test
Licensed the ESR gene test
Several multiplier programs -- AI studs

41. Newsham Genetics Initially a merger of Newsham & Segher companies
More recently merged with Mosanto Choice Genetics
Based in Des Moines, IA. parent company in U.K.
Office in St. Louis, MO
Started in 1990
Balanced terminal and maternal lines
Three site production
Emphasis on health
Gentel selection - stress

42. Newsham Choice Genetics
The Monsanto portion of the company consists of :
Formerly Dekalb Swine, started from purchase of Lubbock Swine Breeders in now owned by Monsanto
Genepacker maternal lines - have added NE Index line
EBX terminal sires
Meat Quality Initiative

43. Genetipork USA U.S. franchise of Genetiporc
Canada (largest seedstock company in Canada)
Breton family in Canada (grain & poultry)
Originally chosen to supply needs of producers -- Morris Swine Health Center
Daughter nucleus herds in MN -- genetic control in Canada
Three site production - high health standards
Free of PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome
Free of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

44. Based on Danish Pig Breeding Program - linked directly to Danish system
Started by Sid Burkey, NE and others
Terminal line based on Duroc and Hamp x Duroc cross lines (Danish lines)
BoarNet semen distribution network – 1,200 sires in AI centers
Maternal line based on Danish Large White and Landrace

45. Nebraska SPF
Organization of SPF purebred breeders - most located in Nebraska
Started in 1959 with 10 herds
Whole herd testing -- work done by fieldmen
Pro-Elite gilts and terminal boars
Waldo Farms is main herd in system

46. Hermitage NGT Merger of two companies
National Genetic Technologies
Hermitage Pedigree Pigs
Hermitage Pedigree Pigs Ltd. In business since 1958.
Operating from our base in Kilkenny, Ireland,
The Hermitage ‘Maternal Line Program’ focuses on producing our female line.
These animals are bred and selected for female line traits.
Numbers Born Alive,
Feed Intake,
Growth Rate,
Milking Ability and
Weaning to Service Interval.
In addition, all our lines are intensively selected for overall conformation (feet, legs, teats, and general body conformation).

47. Hermitage NGT
The Hermitage ‘Terminal Line Program’ focuses on producing our ‘Hylean’ lines.
Our ‘Hylean’ indices focus on
Growth Rate,
Feed Conversion,
Feed intake,
Lean Meat %,
Muscle Depth and Area,
Meat Quality and
overall body conformation.

48. Fast Genetics Canadian company based in Saskatchewan
Began in 1982 as a family-owned company with Dr. Harold Fast and his wife Marjorie as the sole owners and operators. 
Fast Genetics owns 3700 sows in genetic nucleus and multiplication production in Saskatchewan. 
In 2001 the Fast family sold part of its interest in the business to Hytek Ltd. of LaBroquerie, Manitoba. 
From the onset, Fast Genetics has paid particular attention to the health and vigor of their nucleus herd. 
The herd’s origin is from cesarean derived piglets reared on evaporated milk.
Maintained outstanding health status with records which indicate an absence of  the major health concerns since 1982.
Fast Genetics' nucleus herds, located in northern Saskatchewan, continue to maintain closed herds in isolation from other intensive hog production units.  The

49. National Swine Registry
Located in West Lafayette, IN
Formed by Duroc, Hampshire, and Yorkshire breeds in 1994
Joined by Landrace in 1998
National across-herd sire summaries - performance pedigrees
Litter registrations, breed promotion, marketing assistance, educational materials

50. Hypor Is a part of Hendrix Genetics Formerly known as Genex
European firm
Have other breeding activities
Pig
Broiler
Layer
Formerly known as Genex
Largely known for their Dam Lines
Recently purchased Duroc lines
Shade Oak
Designed Genetics (Paul Reese family)

51. Genesus Canadian based company Jim Long CEO
Has a widely based blog and weekly newsletter
Maintain 3 pure lines
Duroc
Yorkshire
Landrace
Claim to be the largest recorder in Canada
Many Hutterite colony customers

52. Topigs North America Daughter company of TOPIGS,
Subsidiary of Pigture Group
Based in The Netherlands.
Four TOPIGS international genetic improvement centers.
North American site is in Saskatchewan, Canada
TOPIGS North America consists of both nucleus and multiplication units located throughout the continent.
Company had its beginnings when a group of purebred breeders organized to form and “act” more like a company
Lines are purebred based
Yorkshire
Landrace
Duroc

53. Topigs North America Daughter company of TOPIGS,
Subsidiary of Pigture Group
Based in The Netherlands.
Four TOPIGS international genetic improvement centers.
North American site is in Saskatchewan, Canada
TOPIGS North America consists of both nucleus and multiplication units located throughout the continent.
Company had its beginnings when a group of purebred breeders organized to form and “act” more like a company
Lines are purebred based
Yorkshire
Landrace
Duroc

54. Topigs North America
Maintain a research arm called Institute for Pig Genetics
Conduct research using the data generated from their business
Purebred data
Commercial data

55. Other breeding stock entities
Norsvin
Based in Norway
Just beginning to get business started in Canada and the U.S.
Known for their Landrace line
PureTek
U.S. Purebred breeders forming business
Tempel Genetics, Gentryville, IN
Whiteshire Hamroc, Albion, IN
Cedar Ridge Farms, Red Bud,IL
Waldo Farms, DeWitt, NE
Shaffer Superior Genetics, Albany, IN
Northern Genetic Management, (Dr. Neil DeBuse), MN
*** Firm is responsible for 98% of swine breeding stock exported from the U.S.

56. Other breeding stock entities
Others
Independent purebred breeders
Many reasons for the decline of this sector
Some are real
Some are misconceptions

57. AI Boar Studs Swine Genetics International (SGI), IA
International Boar Semen (IBS), IA
United Swine Genetics, IL
Top Cut Sires, OH
Lean Value Sires, OH
Highpoint Swine Genetics, IL
Prairie States Semen Supply, IL
Regional Commercial Studs

58. Porcine Stress Syndrome (PSS)
Malignant hyperthermia - increase in body temperature, muscle rigidity, increase in metabolism, sudden death
Triggered by minor stress - loading, mixing, transport, high temperatures
Rapid decline in pH after slaughter - results in PSE pork
Single point mutation (C to T) at nucleotide 1843 on chromosome 6

59. Inheritance of PSS Single recessive gene (Christian - early 1970s)
First identification - visual appraisal
Halothane gas screening
Measurement of blood enzyme creatine phosphokinase (CPK)
Blood typing
DNA test - Fujii et al. (1991)

60. Halothane Gene Effects on Loin Quality

61. Pork Loins Failing Minimum Quality Standards in the NGEP

62. Abnormalities - Inherited Disorders
Due to a single gene
Combined action of many genes and the environment
May run in families but inconclusive whether due to one or many genes
Recessive or dominant
Molecular genetics may help to identify
Evaluate economic importance and frequency of disorder

63. Disorders and/or Traits
Osteochondrosis - abnormal differentiation of growth cartilage - runs in families
Arthritis - joint inflammation - low h2 - more common in some families or lines
Shaker pig syndrome - tremors of head and legs - various causes and not fully known
Splay legs - rear legs on newborn pigs spread apart - genetics, viral infection, nutrition

64. Disorders and/or Traits
Cryptorchidism - one or both testes retained in abdomen - at least two gene pairs
Scrotal hernia - intestines come down through inguinal canal into scrotum - two pairs of recessive genes
Umbilical hernia - part of intestine through the abdominal wall at the umbilicus - occurs in families, infections?
Inverted nipples - more common in anterior region - several genes - h2 approx. 20%

65. NPPC Pork Challenge Started at World Pork Expo in 1988, three tests
Used central test facility to compare industry breeding programs - “system” philosophy
Benchmark of market hog performance
Breed/sire line progeny test results
First large test that measured quality traits and potential consumer acceptance
2,416 pigs in 303 entry groups

66. National Barrow Show Progeny Test
Sponsored by Hormel Foods Corp.
Sire progeny test - 8 pigs/sire
Tested at New Hampton Testing Station and Minnesota Testing Station
Over 4,000 pigs tested
Performance and muscle quality evaluation
Breed differences for quality traits

67. National Genetic Evaluation Program (NGEP)
Provide unbiased, highly accurate sire line data for numerous traits never before evaluated, and to compare seedstock populations for crossbreeding use.

68. National Genetic Evaluation Program
Conducted by NPPC
Results released in 1995
Terminal sire line comparison for 40 traits
Heritabilities and genetic correlations among all traits
Effect of HAL gene on all traits
Consumer preference study
“Spin-off” benefits - SEW, AI

69. Features of NGEP Cooperating commercial producers
40 production and quality traits
9 sire lines completed program
795 sires collected
9,000 doses of semen
1,780 litters tested
3,261 pigs tested

70. Maternal Line Genetic Evaluation Program
Conducted by NPPC
Started in 1997, results released in 2000
Six maternal lines evaluated
Evaluated lifetime reproductive performance of maternal genetic lines through 4 parities
Evaluated maternal contribution to progeny performance

71. Quality Lean Growth Modeling Project
6 genetic lines, 4 diets, 3 endpoint weights
1600 pigs, 3 test groups
Feed intake, growth curves, lean:fat deposition rates using RTU
Ham, loin, belly quality
Carcass separation data used for Fat-Free Lean Prediction Equations
Two symposiums held to present results

72. Genetics of Quality Lean Efficiency Project
Started in July 1999
SEW pigs at Minnesota Swine Testing Station
Two reps, 500 head each
Purebred Yorkshires and Durocs
Individual feed intake and efficiency
Serial scans for intramuscular fat
Carcass dissection work

73. STAGES -- Swine Testing And Genetic Evaluation System
Initiated in “stages”
Multi-trait animal model
Daily across-herd EPDs on association computer
Across-herd summaries published semi-annually
Breed specific variance components and adjustments

74. Structure of the Swine Industry
Nucleus
Multiplier
Commercial

75. Sources of Replacement Females
Purchase
Supplier is responsible for genetic improvement program
Substitute capital for management
Raising your own seedstock
You are responsible for genetic improvement
Substitute labor and management for capital

76. Sources of Replacement Females
Purchase -- must fit your system and environment
Gilt multiplication systems
Grandparent or great-grandparent
Rotaterminal system
AI is important tool to access superior maternal genetics

77. Terminal Cross -- Industry Standard
Larger units -- within-herd gilt replacement
Larger seedstock suppliers and networks
High herd health advancements
Highly selected AI sires

78. Example of Terminal Crossbreeding System

79. Terminal Crossbreeding System
Heterosis is maximized
Greater product consistency
Easier to implement and manage
Allows best use of specialized sire and dam lines
Repeated use of superior terminal sires

80. Terminal Crossbred Female
Goal is to maximize reproduction
Maximize heterosis -- crossbred females
Maternal traits -- low h2, respond to crossbreeding
Contributes half of genes for growth and composition to the offspring
Consider facilities and environment
Outdoor/large groups % color
Inside/crated/small groups % color

81. Within-Herd Multiplication Systems
Lower health risks
Potential cost savings
More control of your genetics
Requires more management to be successful
Reduces terminal production
AI improves efficiency of system
Computer tools aid in implementation

82. Traditional Genetic Pyramid
Nucleus
200 York sows x York boars --> Yorkshire animals
50 Land sows x Land boars ---> Landrace boars
50 Duroc sows x Duroc boars --> Terminal boars
Multiplier
1200 York sows x Land boars ==> LY parent stock
Parent
8500 LY sows x Duroc boars ==> market hogs

83. Within-Herd Grandparent Program
15% of herd
85% of herd
Line B
Market Hogs
Line A
Line C
AxB Female X

84. Within-Herd Great-Grandparent Program
15% of herd
82.5% of herd
Hamp x Landrace
Market Hogs
Yorkshire
Duroc
3-Way Cross X
Landrace
Hampshire
2.5% of herd

85. Rotaterminal Crossbreeding System (2 Breed)
15% of herd
85% of herd
Crossbred
females
Terminal
Boars
Breed B
Breed A
All pigs
go to
market

86. Rotaterminal Crossbreeding System (3 Breed)
15% of herd
85% of herd
Breed A
Crossbred
females
Breed C
Terminal
Boars
All pigs
go to
market
Breed B

87. Rotaterminal Crossbreeding System
Home-raised Females
Best Females (15%)
Other Females (85%)
Slaughter
Replacement Gilts
Pigs
Maternal Sires
Terminal Sires
Barrows

88. Advantages of Rotaterminal System
Can purchase startup females once
Reduced health risk
Suitable for AI
Maternal heterosis is 86% (3-breed maternal cross)
100% heterosis in market pig
Use of indigenous breeds is possible
Adaptability –heat tolerant
Disease resistance

89. Genetic Importation Considerations
Identify the populations (breeds), herds, and individuals that will improve the traits of interest.
Use Swine Testing and Genetic Evaluation System (STAGES) data
Do not require the top 1% of animals to improve your herd

90. Take Home Messages
The genetic system and improvement will dictate the operation maximum production trait performance
Heterosis should be maximized
Which Mating System is Best?
Management ability
Herd size
Availability of replacements
Genetic cost, extra facility capital outlay, seedstock purchase expense
Best does not always equal optimal nor feasible

91. Heterosis percentage in rotational crosses
Crossbreeding system
Generation number
Equi-librium 1 2 3 4 5 6
Two-breed rotation
100.0
50.0
75.0
62.5
68.9
67.2
66.7
Three-breed rotation
87.5
84.4
85.7
Four-breed rotation
93.8
93.3