Hendrix Genetics swine geneticists innovate for efficiency and results

Our geneticists run daily genetic evaluations, which allow for decisions at the farm level to be made with the most updated information. Although this is ultimately the best way to always have the latest information, it poses an issue regarding time constraints. With genetic evaluations being done in the evening, they must be completed by 7am at the latest. Furthermore, as new information from the database is incorporated (genotypes and measurements) everyday, the genetic evaluations take longer and longer to complete. This turned out to be a real problem that was getting worse over time as the geneticists were getting very close to their time limit.

Jordi Vila, tackled this problem head on, with fellow Hendrix Genetics geneticist Dr. Marco Bink. They used a new algorithm to calculate the genetic evaluation in a compressed amount of time. The new algorithm that was used is called APY. In very simple terms, it runs the genetic evaluation with the most important key ancestors, instead of the whole group. This then allows for the calculations to be conducted with less complex equations, yet maintaining practically the same amount of accuracy and enhancing the speed of calculations. The results proved very promising, with a time savings of around 50% when compared to the traditional method.

This exciting study will be presented in more detail by Jordi Vila and Dr. Marco Bink, the co-authors on this work at WCGALP. Hendrix Genetics is the platinum sponsor for the conference and will have many presenters throughout the event. We invite you all to stay connected, as we will make sure to update you on this project and other innovations to come.