AS-399 • Rev. 1977
animal sciences swine
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE PURDUE UNIVERSITY, WEST LAFAYFTTE INDIANA 47907
Indiana station Boar Testing Program
K. J. Drewry, Animal Sciences Department, and L. J. Runnels, DVM, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University
Purpose of the Program
The Indiana Station Boar Testing Program offers a service to Indiana swine breeders in which central station performance records on boar pigs may be obtained under standardized conditions. The boar pigs will be evaluated at the Indiana Swine Evaluation Station at Purdue University.
In the program, boars are measured for growth rate, feed efficiency, backfat probe, loineye area and visual appraisal; and they are sold at public auction if they meet sales standards.
This program assists the Indiana swine industry in these ways: (1) serving as a partial progeny test for the sire of a test group, (2) acting as a “show window” for the breeder’s herd, (3) helping to merchandise desirable breeding stock, and (4) identifying genetically superior seed stock herds for purebred and commercial producers. It also assists the breeder in selection of replacement breeding stock. In addition, it serves to supplement records on progeny from the same herd sire obtained through the Indiana On-Farm Boar and Gilt Testing Programs, the Indiana Swine Progeny Testing Program for market animals, and various breed association testing programs.
Any swine breeder in Indiana may participate in the Boar Testing Program if he can meet the eligibility requirements.
Program Supervision and Direction
Technical supervision and coordination of the program, including operation of the Station, is the responsibility of Purdue University’s Animal Sciences Department. The rules and regulations of the program and operation of the Station are the responsibility of the Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee shall consist of: (1) two persons from each recognized Indiana swine breed association—each to be elected for a 2-year term; (2) four commercial swine producers—two to be elected or appointed each year by the Indiana Pork Producers Association; (3) the executive vice-president of the Indiana Pork Producers Association; (4) the Swine Evaluation Station manager; (5) the Purdue Extension swine specialist with responsibility of advising on the program; (6) the Purdue veterinarian who serves as Station veterinarian; and (7) the head of the Animal Sciences Department. The latter four are non-voting members on rules and regulations concerning evaluation procedures.
Eligibility
To be eligible, the sow must be owned by an Indiana breeder at farrowing. Boar pigs must be from litters of eight or more pigs at farrowing and have 12 or more prominent, well-spaced nipples. Boars must also be free from inherited defects, such as hernia or cryptorchid (ridgling) condition. Boar pigs will be individually identified by litter and pig number.
Testing Seasons
Fall test shall include those boars farrowed in July and August. These boars are delivered to the Station for start on test between September 1 and November 1. Sales following completion of the test will be held in January and February.
Spring test shall include those boars farrowed in January and February. These pigs are delivered to the Station for start on test between March 1 and May 1. Sales following completion of the test will be held in July and August.