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.

Research and development to provide systems for effective derivation and use of selection indexes has been conducted for the Australian beef industry since the late 1980s. This paper reports on development successes and presents evidence of increasing rates of industry genetic gain in beef production profitability. Key factors in success are identified and include the ability of the index development process to capture the full context of selection. The level of performance recording in many cases is the primary limitation to effective index use. Issues that will be more important in future applications of indexes are discussed. They include the need for more specific selection for environments, for extending the breeding objective to encompass additional industry sectors and aims, for greater account of industry supply and demand flow-on effects, and for combining gene marker tests with other criteria in indexes of economic merit. The critical role of selection indexes in targeting multiple-trait economic merit is likely to increase further with the availability of new gene marker test information

This paper briefly describes a new facility, developed within 'BreedObject on the web', where Australian seedstock (eg. bulls, semen) are able to be ranked on overseas and Australian indexes as well as overseas seedstock ranked on Australian indexes. The development was at the request of Australian and overseas breeds, who agreed to share the availability of their indexes. Through the ability of ‘BreedObject on the web’ to calculate indexes on-line, and through its on-line access to breed databases, results for the indexes of different countries are able to be reproduced, on demand, for any selection of animals from the databases. The facility has the potential to assist the export of superior Australian seedstock, and to expand the gene pool for Australian breeders by increasing the effectiveness with which animals with desirable genetic merit are identified in overseas populations.

Research and development to provide systems for effective derivation and use of selection indexes has been conducted for the Australian beef industry since the late 1980s. This paper reports on development successes and presents evidence of increasing rates of industry genetic gain in beef production profitability. Key factors in success are identified and include the ability of the index development process to capture the full context of selection. The level of performance recording in many cases is the primary limitation to effective index use. Issues that will be more important in future applications of indexes are discussed. They include the need for more specific selection for environments, for extending the breeding objective to encompass additional industry sectors and aims, for greater account of industry supply and demand flow-on effects, and for combining gene marker tests with other criteria in indexes of economic merit. The critical role of selection indexes in targeting multiple-trait economic merit is likely to increase further with the availability of new gene marker test information.

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.

This paper outlines a method for assessing trait economic impacts, at the level of the individual animals considered in selection, for traits where the economic value changes across the range of the trait. Results are compared with those from linear methods for price patterns that are common for traits, such as beef carcase fat depth, weight and marbling score, which affect market acceptability and preference. Some important deviations from linearity were seen in the change in index that occurs with change in estimated breeding value (EBV) for these traits. The deviations were most evident at the extremes of the EBV range, which could affect the animals selected. Simple extensions of the method are also suited for use in mate selection and other important areas where non-linearity is encountered.

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.