AS-447
animal sciences swine

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE PURDUE UNIVERSITY, WEST LAFAYETTE INDIANA 47907
Swine Testing and Genetic Evaluation System: Post-Weaning Records and Reports (STAGE 1)
A. P. Schinckel, D. L. Harris, T. S. Stewart, and D. L. Lofgren Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, USDA-ARS, and USDA Extension Service
The pork industry is totally dependent on the	446, Swine Testing and Genetic Evaluation Sys-
seedstock industry to make genetic improve-	tem: Concepts). The swine testing and genetic
ments in the entire swine population. All genetic	evaluation system will be implemented in six
improvements made toward more efficient pork	steps. And when all six steps are completed, the
production must first take place at the Seedstock	program will analyze records and evaluate all
level. Therefore, genetic improvement of purebred	tested individuals within each breed including
swine must occur if more efficient production of	on-farm, central test station, and barrow tests,
high quality pork products is to result.	The first step (STAGE 1) involves the collec-
The development of a swine testing and	tion and analysis of on-farm post-weaning growth
genetic evaluation system (STAGES) has been	and backfat information. It is currently available
initiated as a joint project between Purdue	for use by purebred producers. Participation in
University, U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Ser-	STAGE 1 establishes a base for more accurate
vice, U.S.D.A. Extension Service, National Asso-	genetic evaluation upon which the remaining
ciation of Swine Records, individual purebred	steps can be implemented. This publication
associations, and the National Pork Producers	explains documentation, record forms, and sum-
Council (see Purdue University publication, AS-	mary reports for STAGE 1.