BLUP DEVELOPMENTS IN PIG BREEDING

A review of BLUP methodology used in Pig breeding in different countries (canada, USA, Belgium and Danmark) is given. The different models used in the evaluation systems mainlY developed by universities are discussed and the possibilities of available BLUP-Programmes (PEST and PIGBLUP) are shown. In most countries an across herd evaluation system done on university computers used with some development for within herd evaluations on personal computers for on-farm use. For Production traits (daily gain, backfat thickness, feed conversion ratio) multiple trait animal models are implemented. For reproduction traits (piglets born alive) repeatability models are in place. Two available BLUP-programmes are in use besides the above mentionned applications with different requirements of knowledge of the BLUP-theory and different flexibility in terms of choice of model, choice Of traits and possible output.