Released September 23, 2010
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Two new bulletins aimed at helping swine breeders develop breeding systems that will enable them to enter the specialty production market are now available through the Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) Bookstore.
The first, “Swine Breeding Systems for Alternative Pork Chains: Breeding Programs,” (E-3107) outlines how pork producers can tailor their production management and marketing techniques to targeted markets. It compares various cross-breeding systems, performance expectations and methods of operation.
The six-page publication includes diagrams for two-breed and three-breed rotational programs, as well as explanations of grandparent terminal and rotaterminal breeding systems. Cost for the bulletin is $6.50.
The other publication, “Swine Breeding Systems for Alternative Pork Chains: Breed Options and Use,” (E-3108) provides pork producers with an overview of breed characteristics and explains how various breeds can be crossed to best align with the specifications of niche markets.
This eight-page publication covers sow productivity, growth and carcass merit, meat quality, taste panel evaluation, important genes and gilt replacement programs. Cost for this bulletin is $5.50.
Both publications are available for purchase through the MSUE Bookstore at http://www.bookstore.msue.msu.edu.
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Contact: Eileen Gianiodis, 517-432-1555, ext. 230
