Adoption of further traits to increase genetic gain in the $Index

Genetic improvement of pig performance was summarised for 28 Australian pig populations at the previous AGBU pig genetics workshop (Hermesch, 2006). The average genetic trend was $1.06 per pig each year. In comparison, the top 25% of populations had achieved $1.92 per pig each year. During subsequent discussions at the workshop, breeders set a target of an annual genetic gain of $3 per pig. In order to achieve this ambitious target, breeders have to increase genetic gains in the traits of the breeding objective ($Index). This paper outlines factors that affect the economic importance of performance traits and highlights strategies for improved genetic gain in economically important traits.