D2-Lancaster Farming Saturday, December 15,1990 Swine Management News BREEDING POTENTIAL IN NUMBERS, NOT LOOKS DR. RICHARD BARCZEWSKI Extension County Agricultural Agent University of Delaware This week I’ll be traveling with Delaware’s Livestock Judging Team to Louisville, KY, where we will participate in the National Livestock Judging Contest. While reading over the criteria for mak ing official placings, I noted some interesting changes in the contest format. In additin to placing classes on visually appraised characteristics alone, judges are asked to consider other criteria in making their deci sions. These criteria include the use of estimated progeny differ ences (EPDs) and the ultimate use of the animals being judged. For example, in a class of four Yorkshire gilts from which poten tial herd replacements will be selected, judges will decide based not only on what they look like, but also on the fact that the ani mals will be marketed as seed stock to terminal crossbreeding herds. EPDs for days-to -230-pounds, last rib fat, 21-day litter weight, number bom alive, the dam’s EPD for the sow pro ductivity index and the birth date are among the many background facts provided for each entrant. This data and intended use will provide judges with the informa tion necessary to select animals that will best meet the goals of the herd. A primary reason for visual assessment is to eliminate indivi duals who exhibit unsoundness as breeding animals. When I first entered graduate- school I was a diehard in believing that visual appraisal was the only way to udge. I guess I’ve gone through a aietamorphosis. Knowing the numbers that characterize the breeding potential of an animal and the impact on their offspring is far more impor tant than attributes you can only see. I would much rather a hog producer purchase a boar or sow based on die numbers than on how they look. The best selection, however, will exhibit both. Visual appraisal can help the producer avoid serious structural problems, like feet and leg unsoundness, and physical characteristics, like poor underlines and infantile vulvas that are not considered in an EPD. But after animals with defects are eliminated, the numbers are the best indicators for selection. These offer a herd its greatest potential for improvement of traits most important to a specific breeding program. I’m pleased that the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest SALE Badger Dura Forge Bam Cleaner Chain Now with a wide full 3Vi" (optional) wear heel ■ Wear heel over 85% larger than most competitive chains ■ Heat treated forgings for strength where you need it ■ Large steel alloy pins for extended tile ■ Reversible to extend chian life ■ 10-year prorated warranty •• jwin* k Poultry Systems SpocioUsli •» FARMER BOY AG. 4(0 f UNCOLNAVE UYSOSTOWN, PA 17007 PH nj-OOt-TStS 34 Hour Ssnfics M-F 7:oojcW ut 7:30-11-30 this year has included numbers as a part of the selection process. It is a realistic approach to the lives tock industry in the 19905. Producers must also begin using the numbers in selecting herd replacements. Visual assess ment alone is shortsighted; solid data will help in choosing more efficient, consumer-preferred, economical livestock. ik Selecting animals that have the ability to produce offspring which are lower in back fat and have a faster days-to-230-pounds is more valuable in a terminal cross situa tion in which all of the offspring are slaughtered. Animals that have positive numbers for these traits have greater potential for quicker gains and leaner carcasses, two extremely important qualities to a terminal crossbreeding program. “Looks can be deceiving” is an old saw, but it takes on new rele vance when data is available for the selection process. The industry is not yet completely behind selec tion on the number system. Show ring judges still base all their deci sions on the way animals look and none on EPDs or other numerical data. The livestock industry has ;ome a long way in recent years in ising technologies that enhance productivity and profit. While some producers may still rely on visual appraisal alone in making their selections, the producer who uses the numbers makes the real gains in performance and profit. Pretty pigs don’t bring any more money at the packing house. Going by the numbers really bene fits the producer. I It's the right time to apply lime Fall and early winter lime application allows the limestone time to reart and jives you the advan. pH-balanced soil f< spring planting. Gi conditions during and early winter all help reduce soil compaction and rutting during spreading. Hi-Calcium Hi-Magnesium rfin LIMESTONE Bay Program Is And Well WEST CHESTER (Chester Co.) Chester County farmers in the Octoraro and Elk Creek water sheds are still working to save the bay. The Chester County Conser vation District (CCCD) and the USDA Soil Conservation Service (SCS), working under a coopera tive agreement, have been provid ing assistance to bay farmers since 1985 under the Pennsylvania Che sapeake Bay Program (CBP) and its Financial Assistance Funding Program. The CBP was created to assist the recovery of the Chesapeake Bay by reducing the input of agri cultural nutrients (in the forms of excess manure and fertilizers) and their accompanying sediment load into the tributaries of the Bay. Fif teen Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been adopted to reduce these inputs. They range from permanent vegetative cover, to terrace systems, to animal waste management systems. Coopera tors in the program must maintain these practices for a period of ten years after 'their installation and implement a nutrient management plan developed with an approved nutrient management consultant. Any agricultural operation with animal waste or soil erosion prob lems is eligible for funding. Appli- mAtTHKUX cations are rated and prioritized by the CCCD Directors according to the estimated benefit to the Chesa peake Bay. The 21 farmers who have parti cipated in the CBP in Chester County have received more than $380,000 since 1985 with nearly $90,000 paid this year to fund BMPs. Chester County BMPs are currently cost-sharable at a rate of up to 80% and a maximum cost share to be received of $30,000. Jim Saltsman, Chesapeake Bay resource conservationist for the CCCD, said he likes to take the common sense approach. “Most of these BMPs are really just common-sense measures to con trol water and the nutrients and sediment it carries,” he said. The cost share allows the farmer to take advantage of them. We try to plan out a system with the farmer that will keep as much of the nutri ent and sediment load on the farm as possible without making it impossible to farm.” The goal: Farms that are, in the long term, more economical and productive to operate, while protecting the environment. For more information, contact Jim Saltsman, Dan Greig or Lynn Sick at (215) 696-5126, (215) 436-9182 or (215) 696-0398. f K J For prompt delivery contact your local Martin Limestone dealer or call Blue Ball, Pa. (800) 233-0205 (717) 354-4125 Alive
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