GENETIC EVALUATION OF PUREBRED PIGS PROGRAM (PEG)

This program (only available in French) allows breeders in Quebec wanting to specialize in theproduction of breeding stock (breeders and multipliers) to improve the genetic potential ofpurebred animals and produce superior breeding stock. The basis of this program is thatfarmers who are members of this Program can count on measurements form certifiedtechnicians, have access to genetic expertise, technical support as well as a nationaldatabase.

For more than 30 years, this program has enabled farmers to reduce back fat in pork by nearly8 mm, in response to consumer demand. Nowadays, the increasingly present issue of productdifferentiation arouses a particular interest in meat quality traits such as marbling.

In a highly competitive business context, the program aims to further improve othereconomically important traits such as growth traits, feed conversion and maternal traits.