For producers who value and utilise a Rotational Cross system, PIC has developed a smart product to put them fully in control of their genetic direction for all traits. “PIC®DamRight will increase genetic gain and deliver more money from the herd”, said Dr Craig Lewis, Genetic Services Manager, PIC Europe.
He added that many producers operate Rotational Cross breeding programmes as these programmes potentially:
- Minimise the risk of disease introduction
- Save on gilt transport cost
- Are often seen as easier to operate compared to maintaining a GGP/GP programme.
- Provide some flexibility on genetic choice
“The only negatives are the reduction in heterosis that comes with any rotational system and also that these systems typically fail to fully capture all genetic progress and value versus a herd either operating an internal GGP/GP programme or purchasing parent gilts” Dr Lewis explained. “PIC®DamRight is designed to address the second constraint and significantly improve genetic dissemination and capture more genetic potential on your farm.
The programme utilises the combined power of the world’s largest genetic management programme with an unrivalled palette of the highest index pure Dam Lines to deliver a tailored breeding programme which maximises its financial potential”.
When reviewing a customer’s individual rotational cross programme DamRight looks at how best to utilise the five PIC Damlines (both the British/Irish traditional and Danish derived Landraces and Large Whites, and the PIC maternal White Duroc) to maximise production from the overall breeding and finishing herd within your specific circumstance. PIC’s genetic data management system, PICTraq®, then manages GP mating selections by utilising performance data, pedigrees and relationships from millions of matings around the world to select the most suitable females based on all available data.
Once the targeted GP females are selected, they are then mated with damline semen at a genetic merit which normally would only be reserved for nucleus matings within PICs internal programme.
“PIC is able to offer this to DamRight customers due to the significant expansion of all line population sizes it has undergone over the past five years”, Steve Furniss, UK and Ireland Commercial Director, added.
“This high index semen thus delivers physical and financial performance which would not normally be commercially available.
Overall, the higher index delivered and greater accuracy in terms of the females you select, result in the best outcome for your bottom line.”
