Breeding Swine Selection by Dr. Randy Harp

Purpose of Evaluation Value is the root word of Evaluation. Understand economic importance of physical and genetic traits.

Evolution of the Swine Industry Lard Type

Evolution of the Swine Industry Bacon type

Evolution of the Swine Industry Lean type

Evolution of the Swine Industry Terminal Type

Evolution of the Swine Industry Production Type

Physical Evaluation Criteria Structure Volume Muscle Condition Balance

Structure Skeletal Reproduction and Maternal

Skeletal Structure Study from bottom to top Toes Pasterns Knees and Hocks Shoulder and Hip Top

Reproduction/Maternal Structure Female –Vulva –Underline Male –Testicles –Penis

Volume Base width Rib Shape –Crate adaptability Depth Growth

Muscle Smooth muscle vs. hard muscle Gilts vs. Boars Places to evaluate –Bone/Foot –Forearm –Top –Hip/Ham

Condition Problems with too much Problems with too little

Balance Feminity/Masculinity Construction/Smoothness Balance out

Summary Evaluation Many changes in the hog industry 5 major criteria Remember: Evaluation is always about the money.