A New Approach to Boar Progeny Testing

Abstract

The progeny testing of boars was pionneered in Denmark in 1926. Farmers submit four teams of 2 hogs and 2 gilts, each sired by the same boar but by unrelated dams to stations controlled by a Central Testing Authority. The pigs are fed individually from 20–90 kilos liveweight, and slaughtered. Records of growth rate, food conversion and carcase quality are kept. Differences in the average performance of the 12 pigs sired by each boar are then taken as reflecting genetic differences between boars. This system of testing, with minor variations, has been adopted by other countries. In the United Kingdom, for example, Progeny Testing was pioneered by the British Oil & Cake Mills in 1953. The system of testing originally adopted was a modification of the standard Danish System. Four half litters of three hogs and one gilt all sired by the same boar and from four unrelated sows were taken to a testing station at between 50 and 60 lb. liveweight. At 70 lb. liveweight the test was commenced. The pigs were fed ad libitum to 200 lb. liveweight, and slaughtered. Various carcase measurements were made and results for boars evaluated. This system with slight modification was used by the Pig Industry Development Authority who look after boar progeny testing.