Online AI Manual - Swine Genetics

1 Swine Genetics International, AI ManualOnline AI ManualTable of Contentsl Introductionl Why Use Artificial Inseminationl National Genetics Evaluationl Cost of Natural vs. Al Servicel The Economic Value of Superior Siresl Breeding Programs To Facilitate All Boar Selection Criterial Health Advancements Through All Boar Health and Managementl Semen Availabilityl Boar Viewingl Ordering Proceduresl Artificial Insemination Clinics l Boar Training and Semen Collectionl Processing Fresh Semenl The Key Steps to a Successful Breeding Program with All Methods of Estrus Synchronization For Facilitating Swine Artificial Insemination HOME | OBJECTIVES | BOARS | CATALOGS | BOAR PRODUCTS | CONTACT US Swine Genetics International, - 595th Avenue Cambridge, Iowa 50046 Phone: (515) 383-4386 Fax.

2 (515) 383-2257 Order Toll Free: 800-247-3958 Email: 6:37:21 AMSwine Genetics International, AI ManualOnline AI Manual [back to the table of contents]IntroductionSwine Genetics International, Ltd. has the following objectives: To supply superior Genetics at an economical price. To provide an efficient method of genetic transfer with a reduced risk of disease transmission. To preserve the Genetics of proven superior sires so that their semen will be available to a wider segment of the Swine industry, for a longer period of time. To develop improved methods of liquid and frozen semen preservation, in order to further increase the efficiency of artificial insemination (AI.) of Swine . To continually explore new methods, such as estrus synchronization, which have the potential of increasing the availability of superior Genetics to the Swine industry.

3 To supply the latest in technology, AI. equipment and supplies at a competitive staff at Swine Genetics International is dedicated to meeting the genetic needs of the Swine industry. Complete customer service is our KrugBoar & Facility ManagementBryan HillKyle HatfieldTye LettowSales & Marketing DevelopmentBob NaylorTye (1 of 2)7/21/2005 6:37:22 AMSwine Genetics International, AI ManualOffice Management & SecretarialMarty SnyderConnie BakerAccounts Recievable/PayablePam AndersonConnie BakerExport Director & CoordinatorHarold HodsonMarty SnyderSemen Processing & FreezingHeidi Timmer Tim Ragen HOME|OBJECTIVES|BOARS|CATALOGS|BOAR PRODUCTS |CONTACT US |LINKS |ADMINS wine Genetics International, - 595th Avenue Cambridge, Iowa 50046 Phone: (515) 383-4386 Fax: (515) 383-2257 Order Toll Free.

4 (2 of 2)7/21/2005 6:37:22 AMSwine Genetics International, AI ManualOnline AI Manual [back to the table of contents] Why Use Artificial Insemination?l With Al, the cost of using superior sires can be spread over more sows. With SGI semen, the cost is shared with hog producers throughout the world. For these reasons superior semen is available at a cost below what a producer may be presently encountering with natural service. (For the full value of superior semen see page 5.)l More rapid improvement in the traits that result in greater profits is possible because of the wider boar selection available. By using EPDS, indexes, and breeding value scores on production, carcass, reproduction and visual traits, a boar can be selected that is strong in the areas needed to make the most rapid improvement with a particular group of Al will allow introduction of new genetic material, with a reduced risk of disease transmission and without the introduction of internal and external parasites.

5 (See page 8 for a complete description of the health advancements possible through Al).l Al is the most economical method of servicing a large or small group of females, by reducing the boar power needed. A more uniform pig crop will result through intensive use of fewer and superior Natural heat synchronization can be achieved by weaning a group of females at the same time. (See page 26 for methods that can be utilized to synchronize sows or gilts.) The use of Al will result in the full benefits of this important management tool, without the added cost of maintaining the extra boar power needed for an extensive periodic breeding Use of Al will eliminate many of the problems encountered in maintaining and utilizing boars such as: isolation and testing of boars (1 of 2)7/21/2005 6:37:22 AMSwine Genetics International, AI Manualprior to introduction into the herd; special care and facilities to prevent heat stress or injury; size differences between the boar and sow or gilt; lack of libido or infertility of boars at critical times, resulting in the disruption of breeding and farrowing schedules.

6 Injuries to boars, sows, and gilts during breeding and danger to workers in handling Al can be used extensively in the development of sound and functional rotational or terminal crossbreeding programs. (See page 6) Swine Genetics ' personnel will assist in the development of a breeding program through semen selection that will blend performance, reproduction and carcass traits into the most profitable total production program. HOME | OBJECTIVES | BOARS | CATALOGS | BOAR PRODUCTS | CONTACT US | LINKS | ADMINS wine Genetics International, - 595th Avenue Cambridge, Iowa 50046 Phone: (515) 383-4386 Fax: (515) 383-2257 Order Toll Free: 800-247-3958 Email: (2 of 2)7/21/2005 6:37:22 AMSwine Genetics International, AI ManualOnline AI Manual [back to the table of contents] National Genetics EvaluationThe American Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire breeds have been utilizing a national genetic evaluation system for several years now.

7 Over 500,000 individual records are in the data bank for growth, backfat and reproductive traits. The data are analyzed using BLUP (Best Linier Unbiased Predictive) genetic evaluation procedures. This animal model technology is the most accurate technology available for the evaluation of genetic merit. The individual's own record, records on ancestors in the individual's pedigrees, any collateral relatives with performance records (littermates, half sibs, etc) as well as records on any progeny of the individual are utilized. This multiple trait procedure is used for genetic evaluation of reproductive traits (Number Born Live and 21-Day Litter Weight) and growth traits (Days to 230 and Backfat).

8 The sources of variation accounted for in the analysis models include the major sources that influence animal performance (contemporary group, sire, dam, permanent environment, maternal effects and service sire). This allows for the direct comparison of all sires evaluated. TERMINOLOGY USED IN THIS Manual STAGESData listed under the heading STAGES is based on the individual's own record and that of relatives. In this case the sire does not have progeny with performance records. In most cases these sires are not old enough to have sufficient accumulated progeny records. (1 of 3)7/21/2005 6:37:23 AMSwine Genetics International, AI ManualACROSS-HERD SIRE SUMMARYData is listed under this heading only if the sire has progeny that have been tested under the National Evaluation System and this performance included in the sire evaluation.

9 EPDsThe Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) is a prediction of the progeny performance of an animal compared to the progeny of an average animal in the population (Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace or Yorkshire breeds) based on all information currently available. As indicated above, the major sources of variation are accounted for including contemporary group and herd differences in the BLUP analysis. This allows for direct comparison of all sires. These EPDs are expressed as a plus or minus for Number Born Live, 2 1 -Day Litter Weight, Days to 230 lb. (1 05 kg) and Backfat. Negative EPDs are desirable for Days and Backfat while positive EPDs are desirable for Number Born Live and 21-Day Litter :EPD DAYSEPD LITTER WTSire A's progeny will require less days to 230 lbs.

10 Than Sire B. However, daughters of Sire B would produce litters 8 lb. heavier at 21 days than Sire indexes are calculated from the EPDs according to the economic value associated with cost of production and value of market pigs in a typical Midwestern farrow to finish pork production facility. Three indexes are calculated:Terminal Sire Index (TSI) - It ranks animals on Days to 230 and Backfat EPDs only. It does not include (2 of 3)7/21/2005 6:37:23 AMSwine Genetics International, AI Manualmaternal Productivity Index (SPI) - It ranks individuals by Number Born Alive and 21-Day Litter Weight EPDs only. It does not include growth or backfat Line Index (MLI) - It utilizes the EPDs for both growth (Days and Backfat) and maternal (Born Alive & Litter Weight).