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Genetic Improvement » Genesus Terminal Boars Genesus Terminal BoarsSetting New Genetic StandardsGenesus boars are selected from the World's largest High Health Registered Purebred Herd. Genesus Sire Lines are selected for rapid growth rate, durability, feed conversion and carcass quality. Genesus Sires are analyzed using a proprietary carcass program that emphasizes lean meat percentage while complementing selection for intramuscular fat, color and tenderness. All characteristics demanded by the Premium White Tablecloth and Export Markets, Genesus Terminal Sires have been recognized for superiority with several National Genetic and Packer Carcass Awards. Our selection process is extensive. Rapid growth - Genesus has the industry's only dedicated Registered Purebred Sire Line performance testing facility that uses computer transponders to individually measure average daily feed intake. This allows Genesus to identify High Appetite Boars that grow faster and are robust throughout production. Research has estimated that including individual feed intake measurements taken over the complete grow-finish period will increase the expected response to selection in our sire line index by 43%. A key selection tool in the Genesus genetic program by our geneticists is the Sire Line Index (SLI). The SLI combines EBV (Estimated Breeding Value) for the key economic traits into one value based on their relative economic value for traits important to slaughter hogs. Last year Genesus performance tested 4,478 Durocs and 2,533 Terminal Yorks. As shown in the following graphs, Genesus has made steady, annual progress in the key economic traits.
Feed Conversion - Genesus genetic improvement programs have always included selection for feed conversion ratio (FCR). Our selection indexes have a significant amount of emphasis on FCR: 29% in the Sire Line Index. In our current evaluation system an EVB for FCR is computed based on the relationships between FCR and age, lean yield, loin eye area and percentage of lean in the loin relative to 3 primal lean traits. Most experts agree that feed intake is strongly related to growth rate and fatness. A 1993 study determined that one day less to 220 lb resulted in 4.96 lb less feed and for every .04 inches less fat at 220 lb resulted in 2.34 lb less feed from 55 to 220 lb growth period. So what has been the result from the selection Genesus has practiced for FCR? The average genetic trends for the Sire Lines are shown in the graph below. FEED CONVERSION RATE
As you can see there has been steady progress in FCR since the mid 1990's. From 1995 to 2007 there has been a reduction of 0.42 lb of feed per lb of gain. Putting some practical aspects to those numbers means that it takes 85 lb less feed to grow from 60 to 260 lb in 2007 compared to 1995. In the last 5 years (2002-2007) the annual rate of improvement in FCR has been a reduction 8 lb of feed per pig from 60 to 260 lbs (5 year - total 40 lbs per pig). Therefore at a ration cost of $220US per ton the feed savings are equivalent to $0.88US per commercial slaughter pig per year (5 year - total $4.40 per pig). Carcass - For over a decade Genesus geneticists have weekly executed an industry leading carcass analysis. We are not aware of any genetic company anywhere committed to such an extensive program. Data Collection in Plant
Carcass and Meat Quality DatabaseAll carcass and meat quality data is located in carcass and meat quality table within the GENESUS database. It is linked to all other information by a unique set of identifiers. Presently there are 406 weekly carcass and meat quality data collections included in the data base.
Use of Carcass and Meat Quality DataCarcass and meat quality data is combined with off-test data (growth and ultrasound), pedigree data and off-test, carcass and meat quality data on sibs and relatives for genetic evaluation. Currently Estimated Breeding Values are computed on a weekly basis for the following carcass and meat quality traits:
This data collection has enabled Genesus geneticists to accelerate superior carcass quality traits. Packers recognize Genesus Quality and Uniformity and this leads to our customers having hogs with market options and demand. Structure - Over the last decade tens of thousands of Genesus Sires have been tested annually on cement slats in a real life environment. The ability for Genesus Sires to breed and produce offspring that perform in commercial facilities is well recognized in our industry and by our customers. Health - All Genesus boars come from our Primary Nucleus Units. Genesus Boars health meets and exceeds industry standards. Our seven dedicated AI centers have excellent health and biosecurity. All the genetic theories and protocols in the world are irrelevant if they do not translate into performance and profitability for our customers. In the last fiscal year Genesus Terminal Boar utilization increased 93% in our market area. Genesus investment in Genetic Development is delivering for our customers. Years of performance testing and genetic analysis in the world's largest purebred Registered Herd is paying dividends in profitability. These are tough times and you have choices in your genetic sources, you owe it to yourself to make the right decisions. Genesus is not only the first option but the true alternative!
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