benefit from the extensive recording in Danish Genetics’ breeding pro- gram.” Optimized breeding program and population for faster genetic progress Danish Genetics’ breeding scheme and population has been optimized through a new breeding program optimization software tool developed by Roslin Technologies Ltd in collaboration with The Roslin Institute. “The simulation software tool assists decision making for selection, breeding and genetic improvement activities. Among other things the model can predict more precisely how much genetic progress will be made in the Danish Genetics pig population in next 2, 5 or 10 years, con- sidering the merit of different traits in the population under selection as well as acceptable level of inbreeding,” explains Roslin Technologies Sen- ior Geneticist, Dr. Alfredo Lepori. “A breeding objective framework, which allows for monitoring and modelling of the implication of changes in market revenue and cost streams provides us with the ability to update the economic weights and genetic trend forecasts. Optimized statistical genetic algorithms for higher accuracy breeding values makes the selection of elite animals more precise. Along with a decision support tool for optimization of the population and breeding program, we ensure the delivery of superior genetics to not only address the market demand but also drive the pork industry to new levels,” Dr. Shirali explains.
bringing together in a single index the ideal combination of economi- cally important traits to help provide optimum returns for the pork pro- ducers,” explains Glen Illing, CEO of Roslin Technologies.
A unique bioeconomic model translates market trends into breeding decisions Danish Genetics and AbacusBio have developed a unique bioeconomic model that incorporates genetic principles, economic modelling, and market trends to ensure that the right amount of emphasis goes on the traits within the breeding program. “This tool produces accurate economic weights for the traits of interest in the breeding program, informed by the outcomes of consultation and underpinned by robust economic analysis,” Dr. Tim Byrne, Managing Di- rector of AbacusBio’s UK business unit explains.
Cutting edge genetic and genomic tools for increased accuracy Geneticists in EGENES have in collaboration with Danish Genetics devel- oped novel statistical algorithms for translating the large-scale data col- lected on nucleus and multiplication units in Danish Genetics into esti- mated breeding values for the traits of interest. “Integrating large amounts of DNA information with the on-farm data collected through Danish Genetics’ breeding activities requires a smart genomic tool. EGENES has developed a new system that allows Danish Genetics data to be automatically retrieved, quality assured, preproc- essed and turned into genomic breeding values seamlessly,” Prof. Mike Coffey, Director of EGENES explains. “This provides superior genomic breeding values rapidly and regularly for Danish Genetics’ customers to
A diverse set of traits results in the highest profit for customers “The breeding objectives focus on breeding for robustness, reproduc- tion, mothering ability, efficiency, growth, and carcass quality. Through this focus we aspire to develop excellent genetics of the highest value for each participant along the pork value chain,” explains Dall. “No trait category can be seen in isolation due to the biological com- plexity of the traits. Therefore, balancing trait improvement emphasis and a wider range of breeding goal traits continue to produce all-round genetic materials with superior productivity and robustness for pork producers globally. To achieve that, total farm efficiency (more output for less input) is essential,” Dr. Shirali explains. The breeding company explains that the optimized breeding program will result in strong, efficient, robust and long-lifespan sows for sow pro- ducers, delivering more weaned piglets and therefore more produced meat per sow space for less production cost. The breeding company brands this ‘total life cycle efficiency’ and places it as one of the main fo- cuses of the revised breeding program. The trait improvement package also aims to maximize profit for slaugh- ter pig producers through efficiency, growth, and carcass quality; yield- ing more lean meat per carcass in a shorter period, for less feed. Selection for mothering ability leads to sows that yield heavier piglets at weaning that require fewer growing days to finish. This maternal genetic effect of the sow on the daily body weight gain of the piglet from birth to growing period means the Danish Genetics sows produce more meat per space per year. ”Danish Genetics is committed to providing superior genetic material to the global pig market with exceptional performance and resilience in a range of environments. This is achieved through our extensive breeding program that balances the trait emphasis and diversifies the breeding goal traits,” Dall explains.
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