PIGBLUP is a PC based genetic evaluation system for pigs, which analyses large data sets within minutes. PIGBLUP has a Windows-based interface enabling easy and efficient operation by PIGBLUP users. Breeders do not need to understand the statistical and genetic theory in order to use PIGBLUP.PIGBLUP uses pedigree and performance data available from your herd recording system to derive Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for a number of performance and reproductive traits.The program displays genetic and environmental trends to monitor genetic progress and management decisions. It allows optimisation of selection for different markets and products through the $Index which combines EBVs into a single index using economic, production and marketing data.

This AGBU pig genetics workshop is our tenth workshop held in Armidale since 1991. We are looking forward to catching up with some of our regular breeders and to meet some new participants. This workshop coincides with the start of a new project in quantative pig genetics funded by ALP. The proposed topics for this new project will be outlined during the workshop. Breeders will have the opportunity to identify research areas they regards as important and express their willingness to participate in R&D projects. The latest developments of PIGBLUP, the National Pig Improvement Program and PBSELECT, the latest addition to our genetic services, will be outlined at the beginning of the workshop.

Eighteen months have passed since the last workshop and we welcome you to another AGBU Pig Genetics Workshop in Armidale. Continuing our tradition we introduce the latest PIGBLUP improvements, report on the National Pig Improvement Program and present results of research projects. A number of breeders have cooperated in research projects recently and we are grateful for their support and contributions. Hopefully, participants will be able to make the use of the information provided in this workshop in their efforts to improve the performance of pigs.