In the pig industry, genetic improvement is a cornerstone of ensuring profitability and productivity. A genetic index point is a critical tool that simplifies decision-making for pig producers by providing a clear measure of an animal’s genetic potential. This article explores the concept and significance of index points for optimizing pig production operations.
What is an Index Point?
An index point is a numerical value that predicts the genetic potential of an animal by combining various traits. For example, a PIC index considers over twenty factors, such as growth rate, feed efficiency, and reproductive performance. Each trait is weighted by its economic impact, producing a single value that represents an animal’s potential profitability. This method ensures that animals are evaluated based on their ability to contribute to the overall success of a production system.
The index is designed to simplify comparisons between animals, enabling producers to make informed decisions quickly. A higher index signifies greater genetic potential and, consequently, higher profitability.
Differences Between Terminal and Maternal Indexes
Genetic indexes are tailored to reflect the distinct roles of terminal and maternal lines in pig production. Terminal lines are evaluated primarily for growth efficiency and market traits, whereas maternal lines are assessed for reproductive performance, robustness, and piglet survival.
In maternal indexes, traits like total born piglets, birth weight, and reproductive performance are prioritized. However, efficient growth also plays a significant role to ensure that maternal lines positively influence overall productivity.
“The maternal index places a strong emphasis on reproductive traits like total born piglets and sow robustness, while still accounting for efficient growth,” explained Craig Lewis, Genetic Services Manager for PIC Europe.
How Indexes Are Calculated and Why They Change Over Time
Indexes are dynamic and recalculated regularly – weekly at PIC – to reflect the most up-to-date genetic information. They incorporate data from the animal, its relatives, and genomic analyses. This approach ensures continuous genetic improvement, with average annual increases of approximately twenty points. Such progress translates to an estimated $4.00 increase in profitability per slaughter pig each year (full programme).
Good to Know: The GNX Program Advantage
One unique initiative at PIC is the GNX Program, which bridges the gap between nucleus and commercial production. Unlike traditional genetic selection, this program collects real-world performance data from commercial farms—environments where the offspring of selected animals will ultimately perform. This includes data on traits like wean-to-finish survivability, defect rates, and carcass characteristics.
“By incorporating commercial farm data before finalizing genetic selection, we ensure that the selected nucleus animals are tailored for real-world environments,” explained Craig Lewis.
This approach allows PIC to validate the genetic potential of sires and dams under commercial conditions, making the index even more robust and reliable for predicting real-world performance. It is a testament to how PIC continues to innovate and refine genetic selection processes to maximize customer profitability.
One key concept in index calculation is the use of a rolling or sliding base. This method recalibrates the index to compare animals against the population average of the – at PIC – last two years. For example, if the average genetic value of the population improves, older animals may see a decline in their index value, not because they are genetically worse, but because the benchmark has shifted due to the superior genetics of younger generations.
“Over time, animals decline in index value simply because better genetics are introduced,” noted Craig Lewis. “This does not mean the animal itself is worse; it’s just a reflection of how genetic improvement drives the industry forward.”
The sliding base ensures that the index remains a relevant and effective tool for evaluating genetic potential relative to current industry standards.
Economic Impact of an Index Point
The economic value of an index point is derived from comparing animals with high and low index values. Animals with higher indexes typically exhibit superior traits, such as faster growth and better feed conversion, which reduce costs and increase revenue. Each PIC index point contributes approximately $0.20 in economic value, divided between maternal and terminal contributions.
The calculation involves analysing the economic differences between groups of animals with high and low index values. The estimated breeding values (EBVs) for all traits included in the index like total born, pre-weaning mortality, return rate, feed efficiency, growth rate, backfat and many more are factored with their economic impact. The difference in economic performance between these groups is then divided by the difference in their index points to determine the value of a single index point.
“We validate the value of an index point in commercial settings by comparing the performance of high-index and low-index animals,” explained Craig Lewis.
Practical Applications for Producers
Index points provide actionable insights that help producers make strategic decisions regarding breeding, culling, and herd improvement. By focusing on high-index animals, farms can systematically enhance the genetic potential of their herds.
Guidelines based on index values assist producers in identifying the most valuable animals for breeding and those better suited for culling. For example, animals in the top 15% of the index rankings may be prioritized for purebred mating to maximize genetic progress. Conversely, animals in the bottom 10% may be recommended for culling to ensure that only the best genetics are passed on.
Weekly feedback reports provided by PIC’s Genetic Database PIC®traq allow producers to evaluate their selection decisions and track their progress toward long-term goals. These tools enable producers to make data-driven decisions that align with their operational objectives.
A Tool for Continuous Improvement
The index point encapsulates a commitment to ongoing genetic and economic advancement. By integrating genetic data with economic considerations, this tool empowers producers to drive productivity and profitability in the pig industry. Index points are not merely numbers; they are a roadmap for building a more sustainable and profitable future.
“The higher the index, the more genetic potential an animal has,” summarized Craig Lewis. “This ensures producers can focus on what truly drives profitability.”
