National Pig Performance Testing Scheme

The Independent Selection Panel Putting it all together

Genetic comparisons between stud pig herds call for total procedural and judicial responsibility as wrong decisions may have serious genetic and economic implications for individual studs and the industry as a whole. The present testing Scheme, which makes provision for the official classification of stud herds as Super Nucleus, Nucleus or On-Farm Testing, therefore has an even greater responsibility. For this reason an Independent Selection Panel (ISP) was formed to ensure scientific interpretation of the test results and total impartiality in the classification of the participating herds.

 The ISP consists of the Programme Manager of the NPPTS, an independent animal geneticist, and the President of the Pig Breeder’s Association who also acts as chairperson. Test results are prepared in an anonymous form using code letters to distinguish between the different herds. Compliance to the rules of the Scheme are strictly adhered to and judged by no less than seventeen herd parameters.

It is important to have a large enough sample of the progeny of herd sires tested centrally. The minimum requirement of 22 boars and 22 sows (representing at least 50 % herd sires, minimum 5 boars) is the smallest number with which a reliable estimate of the herd’s average genetic merit can be obtained. It is quite obvious that unreliable results can only be to the disadvantage of individual herds, and to the breed as a whole.

The RVI is of great practical value as it expresses the average genetic superiority of pigs in a specific herd compared to the average genetic value of all participating herds in monetary terms. Thus South African stud pig herds can be ranked genetic-economically within breeds.

Apart from its evaluatory function, the ISP also plays an educational role in that suggestions as to how improvements can be made are also included in the report, which is sent back to participants. In this regard it is heartening to note that several breeders have responded positively and thereby succeeded in increasing their status of classification.

Back to main page

© 2001 - SASBA
These pages were developed and are being maintained by
The South African Stud Book and Livestock Improvement Association