Frequently Asked Questions

Gonzalo Martinez
Expert’s answer :

• Yes, Choice uses Selection Indexes in all of its lines, and has a unique index for each line. A selection index is a way to improve many traits at the same time by accounting for each traits economic importance as well as it’s genetic component and the interactions between all of the traits. Our goal is to include all of the economically important traits for a given line in the index with the proper amount of emphasis

James Rohl
Expert’s answer :

• Heritability can be defined as the proportion of the phenotypic variation seen in a population that is due to differences in breeding values. In this case that means that only about 10% of the variation seen in litter size is due to (additive) genetics. In turn that means that to select for a trait like litter size lots of data is needed to make an accurate estimate. Heritabilities for different traits can range from approximately 5% to 50%. Typically heritability for traits involving reproduction have lower heritabilities than traits involved with growth or carcass quality.

Pierre-Yves Lannuzel
Expert’s answer :

• There are several reasons.

• • First, if there is some problem and the gilts are identified we may be use the pedigree information to help solve it.
  • Second, we can use the reproductive data from the GGP and GP herd in our genetic evaluations to increase their accuracy in all M# herds. Also, we can help you to make better selection of your replacement base on genetic quality of the animals.

Tiffenn Vissault
Expert’s answer :

• EBV stands for Estimated Breeding Value. It is a number generated by using a statistical process called BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) which combines data from the same animal, and all of an animal’s relatives, weighted appropriately, to estimate the individuals genetic merit compared to the average of the population. Choice generates EBVs for all the traits of interest in a given line, then combines them into a single number called an Index. BLUP allows Choice to estimate genetic values for traits like litter size, which is only measurable in females, and meat quality which can only be measured directly after an animal is harvested.

Denis Cudrey
Expert’s answer :

• Genomics is a part of the science of looking at an individual’s DNA structure to help estimate it’s better the genetic merit of an animal. Choice is currently using this technology in the M3 and M6 lines, with plans to begin using it in the near future in the terminal sire lines. Genomics is valuable for many reasons. For example, it can allow the best individual(s) in a litter to be selected at birth, it call allow genetic estimates to be made for traits that are very difficult or expensive to measure, or that are lowly heritable. Genomics is allowing us to see unparalleled rates of genetic improvement in our maternal lines for the low heritable traits

Florence Ytournel
Expert’s answer :

• The index value is used to discriminate between animals on their genetic potential. It is complementary to a phenotypic selection with ensures that the animal is sound. This morphological evaluation includes among other feet and legs quality or number of functional teats. An animal chosen as breeder must therefore be good in morphology and genetically.

James Rohl
Expert’s answer :

• Inbreeding is a reason for a decrease in genetic diversity and thus genetic progress (see “what are the drivers for genetic progress). For that reason, it is important in a breeding program to minimize the increase of inbreeding in the population which would occur naturally due to the limited population size.

Florence Ytournel
Expert’s answer :

Curtis Boos, Donald Malcom

Expert’s answer :

• Gilts can be given boar exposure as early as 21 weeks of age but no later than 25 weeks of age. Boar exposure will help stimulate the reproductive system of young gilts and accelerate the onset of puberty.

Michel Launay, Curtis Boos, Donald Malcom
Expert’s answer :

• At Choice, we strongly encourage our customer to breed their gilts on the 3rd or 4th estrous cycle to be sure their gilts are sexually mature and to maximize total born on that first litter.

Michel Launay, Sandy Micout
Expert’s answer :

• Yes, flushing gilts 10 to 14 days before mating can increase the ovulation rate at estrus and increase the number of piglets born

Michel Launay, Curtis Boos
Expert’s answer :

• The vaccination program for your gilts will depend on your attending veterinarian. There are standard vaccinations for all herd and there are specific vaccinations relative to the existing herd health status. Please check with you herd veterinarian for a specific vaccination schedule for your herd.

With any vaccination program, avoid any vaccinations within three weeks of the gilt becoming breed eligible.

Michel Launay, Sandy Micout
Expert’s answer :

• Choice has a complete set of nutritional recommendations for your farm. The Choice Technical Service team will be happy to provide you those nutritional recommendations at your request.

Curtis Boos, Donald Malcom, Michel Launay
Expert’s answer :

• This is a complex question with many components. The simple answer includes items such as proper gilt development and gilt breeding age, proper nutrition, proper body condition, proper water availability, and proper heat check and mating techniques. The Choice Technical Service team can provide an audit of your farm, to help you maximize the potential of the CG36.

Donald Malcom, Sandy Micout
Expert’s answer :

• There are many different mating patterns used around the world. In general, Choice recommends a range of 12 to 18 hours between AI services if possible. An example of the preferred mating pattern for a gilt found in heat in the AM is 1) skip the AM service, 2) first service 12 hours later, 3) second service 12 hours after the first, 4) third service 12 hours after the second service. Take care; the third service should only happen if the gilt is still in good standing heat.

Michel Launay, Curtis Boos, Donald Malcom
Expert’s answer :

• The CG36 is #1 in the industry for a quality underline. Underline counts can range from 16 to 22 functional teats. With a quality underline like that, the CG36 has the potential to successfully nurse 13 to 15 piglets/litter. As with all female lines, as the CG36 ages, reaching the 4th or 5th parity, her potential lessens to weaning 11 to 13 piglets/litter

Michel Launay, Felipe Gomes, Sandy Micout, Curtis Boos
Expert’s answer :

• With a Body Condition Score (BCS) visual scale from 1 to 5, you should breed your sows at a BCS of 2.5 to 3.0 and farrow sows at a BCS of 3.0 to 3.5. However, Choice additionally recommends measuring backfat at the P2 location (at the last rib and 2 inches [5 cm] below the spine) with a device such as a Renco Lean-Meater to determine the BCS. This is the ideal way to determine a sows BCS. Choice recommends 13 to 16 mm of backfat at breeding and 16 to 18 mm at farrowing.

Michel Launay
Expert’s answer :

• Gestating sows will consume 11-22 l/day (3-6 gallons/day) . Two days before farrowing, daily water consumption increases to around 19-22 l/day (5 or 6 gallons/day) to satisfy udder development. After farrowing, a nursing sow will be consuming around 19-22 l/day (5-6 gallons/day). As the piglets’ age, milk production increases and so does the sows water consumption. At 21 days of lactation, a sow’s water consumption may be 38-42 l/day (10-11 gallons/day) . In summer months or in areas with a hotter climate, water intake may increase by as much as 50%.

Curtis Boos, Michel Launay
Expert’s answer :

• Producing your own replacement gilts is a good option for larger herds. Choice recommends 10 to 12% of your herd be Grandparents (GP’s). With that size of a GP herd, your pool of replacement gilts will be large enough that you are only selecting the best of the best gilts to return to your herd. Some companies recommend the GP herd be at 8%, but then your replacement gilt pool is small and you have the potential of selecting gilts to return to your herd that are below normal standards. This will reduce sow longevity in your herd and a higher sow mortality and sow cull rate.

Donald Malcom, Michel Launay, Felipe Gomes, Curtis Boos
Expert’s answer :

• A facilities gilt holding area can vary in the number of available spaces. With the proper number of spaces, Choice has three requirements to determine a gilts eligibility for breeding.

  1) 230 to 250 days of age (240+ days preferred).

  2) Weight of 300 to 330 pounds (137 to 150 kg).

  3) P2 backfat of 13-16 mm and not less than 12 mm.

  If gilt holding space is a limitation, contact your Choice Technical Service representative to assist you in designing a program that will help you successfully manage the CG36 gilt.

Donald Malcom, Michel Launay, Felipe Gomes, Curtis Boos
Expert’s answer :

• Following typical industry standards until the gilt reaches 24-26 weeks of age will do fine. After that, Choice recommends smaller pens with 14 to 16 ft2/gilt (1.3 to 1.5 m2) in the final growth stage leading up to mating.

Sandy Micout, Donald Malcom, Michel Launay, Felipe Gomes, Curtis Boos
Expert’s answer :

• Choice has a detailed management guide for the CG36. Contact your Technical Service representative to learn more.