The American Berkshire Association (ABA) is ushering in a new era of swine genetics in the purebred industry with the launch of its Genomic and EPD System. This sophisticated platform is designed to provide breeders with real-time data, predictive mating tools, and a renewed focus on the premium meat quality traits that define the breed.
The ABA’s Genomic and EPD system is built on the Helical platform by Theta Solutions, centralizing genomics, pedigree data and Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) into one secure, automated portal. Breeders can now access real-time data, including individual animal percentile rankings, “Top 100" lists by trait, and visual graphics for easier data interpretation.
Predictive Mating
“The new system brings multiple data types together to allow a breeder to view it all in a simple format and easily understand the genetic merit of their animals in real time,” explains Ben Smith, ABA Board of Directors member and Breed Improvement Committee Co-Chair.
Breeders can now “test” a mating on screen before it ever happens in the barn. This allows breeders to see the genetic merit of potential matings prior to breeding and accelerates the timeline for genetic progress.
Accelerating Quality
In addition, this system allows the organization to integrate the data collected from the ABA Progeny Test into the breed’s genetic evaluation system. This will include the inclusion of meat quality and meat eating quality traits that Berkshires are well known for, Smith says.
“We have always been strong supporters of genetic evaluations within the breed throughout its history,” he says. “This move not only enhances the accessibility and quality of data to breeders but strengthens the ABA’s commitment to providing breeders with the most advanced genetic evaluation possible.”
This system combines multiple standalone platforms from past systems into a single system with enhanced analysis to see genetic merit and genomics on a single animal on the same page together.
“Our new system and the partnership has created a roadmap for the ABA’s genetic improvement plan to move forward to modern evaluation methods with full transparency to the breeders,” Smith says. “These methods will improve the accuracy of evaluations and help breeders increase their rate of genetic improvement.”
Why Now?
As the pork industry evolves to meet changing consumer demands, Smith believes this tool will allow Berkshire breeders to have an even bigger impact.
“The ABA is excited and proud to be the oldest independent swine registry in the world, and to be Helical’s first swine breed client,” Smith says. “As the ABA continues to expand and improve our genetic evaluation system, we look forward to setting the standard of excellence in swine genetic evaluations.”
