Hermitage Genetics

Hermitage Maternal Lines - Excellent Genetic Trends !

Recently a genetic audit of Hermitages maternal and terminal line populations was carried out by consultant geneticist Mr. John Mabry, Professor of Swine genetics at Iowa State University in the United States.

This audit is carried out four times per year to evaluate the progress being made in Hermitages nucleus herds. The audit serves as an evaluation of Hermitage's breeding programmes and to ensure that continued progress is being made in the traits of economic importance.

The Maternal Line Index or M.L.I. focuses specifically on the maternal traits including: numbers born alive, feed intake, litter weight, growth rate and backfat. The graphs opposite show the progress that has been made in the key maternal traits since 1993.

Genetic progress is made through intensive performance testing and selection and through the introduction of new lines. Any new lines are progeny tested before incorporation into the breeding population.

In addition to the Breeding Values and performance test results, intensive selection for overall conformation (feet, legs, teats and general body conformation), is a key component of the breeding programme. Every animal in Hermitage's GGP pyramid is individually scored for these physical traits.