Boar Selection Criteria
In order to provide the most outstanding genetics available to our customers, Swine Genetics utilizes the following methods to acquire boars:

1) Leasing of proven sires

2) Purchasing of young boars

3) Importation of superior lines from foreign countries

Boars leased by Swine Genetics have demonstrated the ability to consistently sire superior offspring based on their superior EPDs and indexes. Our goal in sire leasing is to offer superior genetics that normally have only limited distribution so that they may be shared industry wide. Importations allow our customers to sample superior genetics from other countries at a minimal cost. Proven sires and young boars are selected based on their record of excellence in specific areas, such as rate of gain and feed efficiency, reproductive performance, carcass merit, soundness and longevity. All available information including EPDs and indexes, relating to performance, carcass, reproductive capacity and structural conformation on the individual boar, his ancestors and offspring are utilized in developing a breeding value score for the following traits:

Scored on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

It is unlikely that a boar will be truly superior in all areas. Boars selected will have a definite superior breeding value in specific areas and at least average to good values in other areas. Total reproductive performance (including regularity of breeding and farrowing, longevity in the herd, the number farrowed, weaned, and weaning weight) is extremely important in boars utilized to produce replacement females. Boars have therefore been specifically selected in each breed because of the superior reproductive performance of their dams, granddams, and/or daughters. Other boars have been selected for their superior feedlot performance and/or carcass merit. Also by maintaining boars in a 7 x 14 foot concrete pen, selection pressure is applied for traits that result in functionability and longevity under strict confinement conditions. Utilization of the breeding value scores, along with EPDs and indexes, can help you select boars that allow you to make rapid progress in specific areas without sacrificing a loss in other areas. The Swine Genetics staff will be happy to assist you in selecting boars to meet your specific needs.