The Rural Voice, 2005-06, Page 23caesarean section at the University of
Guelph to break the cycle of disease
between mother and offspring.
"They were very healthy," Procter
says, but with a closed herd the only
source of introducing new genetics
was through artificial insemination.
In the 1960s and before, the
advice was that if you wanted top
production you needed purebred
stock, he recalls. Then the value of
heterosis, the gain in vigour and
vitality bestowed by cross -breeding,
was discovered. Research showed a
crossbred female produced two or
three extra pigs over the two litters
she produced each year. The sows
also milked better and the pigs were
hardier.
For a breeder like Bodmin, the
result is more sows are needed,
with one group of purebreds
from each breed so the crossbreeding
can be done. So there will be pure
Iandrace and pure yorkshire and so
on for each foundation line. The
higher requirement for sows is one of
the reasons the number of breeders
has declined, Procter says.
There are generally accepted
combinations of different breeds, he
says. "It's not like cattle with 10 or
15 breeds and a lot of variation.
Swine has become pretty standard --
that's the goal."
Processors want hogs that are as
identical as possible and often
designate the genetics they want from
producers selling under contract or to
meet specific grids.
The challenge for breeders is to
maintain genetic diversity while
providing standardized pigs. Almost
all breeders make use of the database
maintained by the Canadian Centre
for Swine Improvement which
provides performance records for top
boars. Breeders can call up the top 20
performing boars and order semen
from artificial insemination units.
"Because an animal is really
superior it's used, then its sons and
daughters get used," Procter says. It
means that all herds end up being
related.
The concern for breeders is what
they're going to do about regaining
diversity, he says. Some Quebec
breeders have been importing from
France while Ontario Swine
Improvement has brought in pigs
from Sweden.
Nutrient Management Act
Compliance with the Legislation in 2005?
Update your NMP for municipal regulation?
Nutrient Management Plan for a new project?
Call Soil Solutions Plus
519-482-5740 or 519-525-8111
www.soil-solutions-plus. com
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SWINE GENETICS
PROVEN
PERFORMANCE
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Early Wean • Weaners • Mature Gilts
TERMINAL LINE BOARS
TERMINAL LINE SEMEN
Bodmin semen is available at OSI
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RRS Brussels, Ontario NOG I HO
Phone: 519-887-9206 Phil Smith 519-661-8814 cell
Arnie Spivey 519-235-1290
JUNE 200', '