AS-413 • Rev. 1977
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE PURDUE UNIVERSITY, WEST LAFAYETTE INDIANA 47907
Indiana On-Farm Gilt Testing Program Rules and Regulations
K. J. Drewry, Animal Sciences Department, Purdue University
Purpose
The Indiana On-Farm Gilt Testing Program offers purebred and commercial swine breeders an accurate record-keeping system to be used in measuring gainability, feed conversion, carcass quality (as indicated by backfat and loineye area) and visual appraisal (type and structural soundness) of gilts. The program will:
(1)	assist the breeder in identifying superior gilts within strains, lines, breeds or crosses;
(2)	assist the commercial breeder in selecting replacement gilts; and (3) assist the purebred breeder in selecting replacement and sale gilts.
Direction
Coordination of the program is the responsibility of the Swine Extension Section, Animal Sciences Department, Purdue University.
The general policy, rules and regulations of the program are subject to the recommendations of the Indiana Swine Evaluation Advisory Committee. This committee consists of purebred breeders, commercial producers and extension personnel.
Participation
Any swine breeder in Indiana may participate in the program, provided he can meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility
Only gilts from litters farrowed in Indiana and owned by a resident of Indiana are eligible. The sow must be in the ownership of the cooperator at farrowing.
Breeding
Gilts of any breed or breed combination may be evaluated in the program.
Identification
Gilts to be evaluated must be individually identified. Recommended identification for gilts is the “1-3-9-27-81 litter and pig ear-notching’’ system, although an ear-tag system may also be used. Sows should be identified by either an ear-tag or ear-notch.
Boars in purebred herds may be identified by: ear-notch, ear-tag, herd name or registration number (limit to 5 letters or numbers). Likewise, boars in commercial herds may be identified by: ear-notch, ear-tag, herd name, registration number or breed designation (e.g., Duroc, Hamp, York, etc.)
Traits Measured
Gilts may be evaluated for any combination of traits including: growth rate, backfat, feed efficiency, loineye area and visual appraisal.
Testing Procedures
A minimum of 12 or more gilts from the herd shall be evaluated within the farrowing season.
The data form used with this program is ISEP Form 5, “Indiana On-Farm Boar and Gilt Testing Programs Evaluation Work Sheet.” Copies may be obtained from the Indiana Swine Evaluation Program Coordinator, Animal Sciences Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907; or from any area Extension livestock agent or county Extension office. In addition, if
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