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At nucleus farms, every attempt is made to optimize the environment of our animals. This is done in an attempt to reveal the genetic potential of each animal. However, certain traits, such as longevity or robustness traits, cannot be evaluated in this type of setting. To breach this gap, Topigs Norsvin partners with a large US producer to collect data on sows in a commercial setting. These data are routinely exchanged with TopigsNorsvin’s database and used to estimate breeding values for longevity and robustness traits.
Measuring the performance of Topigs Norsvin sows under commercial conditions cannot be conducted at the nucleus level. Rather, the nucleus environment is optimized, so that sows can express their full genetic potential. Therefore, the pristine condition of a nucleus farm does not reflect a commercial environment. Our partner farm is a fantastic resource for genetic research and trait development, that not all genetics companies have.
We use the data collected from this partner farm to estimate breeding values for traits that we can’t measure within our nucleus populations. For example, we cannot accurately evaluate sow longevity at nucleus farms due to the high replacement rate at those farms.
At nucleus locations, the replacement rate is intentionally high because we want to bring in and evaluate the latest generation. Therefore, we simply don’t give the animals a chance to express a phenotype for longevity. However, phenotypes for this trait are recorded at the commercial level.
By collecting genotype information on the commercial sows, it is then possible to link the longevity phenotypes collected at the commercial level to the nucleus level via the genetic relationships between animals at these different locations. The end result is that breeding values for longevity can be calculated for animals at both locations. This is how breeding values are routinely estimated for sow longevity, and even a few correlated traits, like shoulder sores and body condition score.
Data on the susceptibility to uterine prolapse is also measured. Uterine prolapse is a serious issue, and is generally considered to be multifactorial in nature. Uterine prolapse is an important economic issue, but also an important animal welfare issue. A couple of years ago, we launched a research project to investigate a potential genetic component for this issue. Data collected at this partner farm was used to conduct this investigation. Results of this research show that susceptibility to uterine prolapse has a genetic basis. In response to this, uterine prolapse was added to our index as a new trait, and selection against susceptibility to uterine prolapse has been underway since 2021.
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