Earlier this month we posted Part I of our discussion with Steve Jungst, PIC Performance Validation Manager, Technical Operations, and other members of the PIC Performance Validation team. This team is responsible for generating “performance proof ” results of PIC products through comparison trials with competitors’ products as well as internal trials supporting new product development. Here is Part Two of the interview:
Tell us about PIC’s performance comparisons and your sales index?
When PIC implemented its two AI boar classifications, it was important to demonstrate to customers the difference in performance at the farm level and processing plant between commercial pigs sired by PIC337G EBV20 and PIC337G AI class boars. In addition, from this trial, it was possible to estimate how much of the genetic improvement created at the genetic nucleus level was being captured at the commercial level. This trial was beneficial in demonstrating that selection based on the sales index was effective, and that there was a measurable economic difference in performance between pigs sired by boars from the two sales classes. Today, commercial boars are sold on a sales index that is calculated using estimates of breeding values based on the performance of commercial crossbred pigs.
The Camborough 23 trial was also conducted by the Performance Validation team. Comparing the reproductive and maternal performance of two different commercial sow products requires a large number of sows (more than 1,500 sows per genotype) and evaluation over multiple parities. PIC does not have research facilities large enough to set up trials comparing different sow genotypes, so we work closely with some of our key/largest customers. When evaluating reproductive performance of potential new sow products, it is highly desirable to evaluate the products in as many different systems and under as many different management levels as possible. When the trial comparing Camborough 22 and Camborough 23 sows was set up, a total of eight farms participated. The farms were located in North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana and Nebraska. One of the main objectives of the trial was to demonstrate the robustness of the Camborough 23 sow. After five parities, there was a 15 % difference in longevity in the herd between Camborough 22 and Camborough 23 sows without compromising reproductive performance. Today, PIC offers the Camborough 23 as a commercial parent sow to customers.
Must producers choose carcass traits or maternal traits in their breeding stock, or can they have both?
In the last few years, the total economic value of a slaughter pig has become even more important than in the past. Also, because of the performance superiority of PIC sires, many producers tended to believe grow-finish performance could be maximized by having PIC boars; but they would discount the contribution of the sow to the performance of the slaughter pig. Because of this misconception, the Product Validation team set up several commercial trials comparing on-farm performance, carcass and meat quality of multiplication by-products (i.e. barrows from PIC competitor female products vs. Camborough or Camborough 22 barrows). The results from the validation trials completed so far clearly show the advantage of the Camborough 22 maternal line for growth rate, feed conversion, and carcass quality compared to competitor maternal line products. The commercial sow contributes just as much to the overall performance of a slaughter pig as the boar, because she contributes 50 % of her genes to her offspring.
Performance validation trials of PIC vs. competitor products have been one of the key focuses in the last few years. We have been able to measure side-by-side several economically important traits on PIC and key competitor products. Many of these commercial validation trials have been conducted within our customer systems, with full transparency of test design, data collection and analysis. These trial results have proven to be invaluable assets to PIC, and have served as important “sales tools” by adding to the business development of the company.
What is the ultimate goal of the Product Evaluation team?
Our goal is to demonstrate the value of PIC products under different commercial/environmental conditions. The results from each trial are used to estimate how much the difference in performance is worth. This information will help customers make a more informed decision regarding their overall genetic program.
What about PIC’s commitment to research and development?
Genus, PIC’s parent company, is committed to investing in research and development in order to remain leaders in pioneering innovation. This investment has enabled us to leverage our quantitative genetic and biotechnology skills across multiple species. We now have 44 genetic markers available for application (most of which are protected by granted patents or are the subject of patent applications) in the areas of meat quality, litter size, growth and carcass quality, disease resistance and traceability. Eighteen of them are in routine use in PIC’s genetic improvement lines.
The Genus research and development center opened in 2004 in Kentucky. Significant economic development support was obtained from the State of Kentucky for construction of the new center, which includes two state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to molecular genetic research and shrimp research. This world-class facility provides Genus with a center of excellence for research in the United States, which, along with the existing Genus laboratory in Cambridge, UK, will continue to focus on enhancing the company’s research and development capabilities and advancing biotechnology application.
Research and development programs to improve and develop new products and production techniques are core to the company’s success. Genus is actively involved in the public debate on the future use of biotechnology and is committed to working within the regulations and guidelines on animal welfare and food safety in the territories in which it operates.
PIC’s Performance Validation program is an integral part of Genus’ research and development emphasis. The program adds to the company’s R&D database for marker discovery and validation.
Editor’s Note: This commentary is sponsored by PIC and first appeared in PIC’s magazine, The Profit Improver. For more information on genetic improvement, go to www.pic.com
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