The future of pig genetics
Over the past decade, the use of genomics in pig breeding has helped to accelerate genetic improvement and on-farm performance.
‘WITH DEMAND FOR ANTIBIOTIC-FREE PIGS, COMPANIES WILL BREED FOR GREATER DISEASE-TOLERANCE ’
“Genetics companies in general have made great strides over the years by making use of performance testing to govern breeding decisions,” says Jurgens Reynders, managing director at DanBred Africa, based in Pretoria. “The combination of genomic selection with conventional selection strategies has significantly improved the effectiveness of selection, enabling much quicker gains. It has also made it possible to breed for new and otherwise difficult-to-breed traits, such as disease resistance.” DanBred, a Danish company, claims
