Suinosul Genetics

In 1975, two of the current partners in Suinosul were involved in the first large-scale importation of improved genetics to Brazil. The stock was purchased from the Pig Improvement Company (PIC) in the UK. They were brought from its farm in Mexico to Brazil in August 1976 by plane. Suinosul´s initial herd was derived from this importation. Over the years, new blood has been introduced to the herd using semen from imported stock, in order to take advantage of genetic progress in other countries.

Since its inception, Suinosul has had a genetic improvement program, identifying and retaining the pigs with the greatest genetic advantage on a weekly basis. These pigs then became replacement stock for the herds.

The farm records were completely computerised in 1993, and in 1996 the selection process was updated to use the most modern technology available. The farm acquired a PigLog 105 carcass measurement device in 1996. The PigLog 105 gives a lean meat percentage figure for live pigs based on two readings of back fat and loin depth.

At the same time, the farm began using the PigBLUP analysis program, developed by the University of New England, Australia. This program evaluates the pigs in the weekly selection, incorporating all historical performance data of the whole herd, and thus accurately identifies the pigs with the greatest genetic potential. These animals become the next generation of breeding stock in the pure herds.

The traits used in selection are: growth rate, backfat, weaning performance and prolificacy. PigBLUP combines the predicted value for each trait into a single number which indicates the financial value of each pig´s traits, and this value is used as a selecion index.

With 550 sows in multiplication, Suinosul Farm produces around 350 F1 gilts per month for sale to commercial farms, enough to maintain 10,000 commercial sows in production.

Suinosul breeding stock is well accepted in commercial farms. Having high prolificacy, durability, good appetite in hot weather and known to be very docile, the sows produce big litters with good weaning weights, and fast growth rate to slaughter weight.

Suinosul also sells pure and commercial boars. The boar which is most sold for commercial production is the AP2000, a composition of various breeds which produces a boar with high lean carcass content.