2012 AGBU Pig Genetics Workshop Notes

Contains the edited conference papers presented at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit Pig Genetics (AGBU) Workshop, held at the University of New England, Armidale, Australia on the 24th and 25th of October, 2012. Following the tradition of previous workshops, research results relevant to animal breeding and pork production were discussed. Both Prof Hans Graser and Prof Chris Moran agreed to provide an overview of the application of quantitative and molecular genetics to livestock industries and beyond. Dr Andrew Swan outlined how genomic selection has been implemented in genetic evaluation systems used in the sheep and beef industries. Further topics presented at the workshop included identification of new traits to improve piglet survival including the evaluation of haemoglobin as a new on-farm measure and genetic aspects of carcase value. The latest findings from various projects funded by the Pork CRC were shown. These included an outline of the mechanisms of disease tolerance, an evaluation of environmental variation and a discussion about the economic importance of traits related to consistent, sustainable and efficient production of pork.