Hermitage Maternal Lines

G.P. Landrace G.G.P. and G.P. Lines Hyperprolific Halothane Negative Optimum growth and high appetite

G.P. Large White Excellent conformation Strong legs and bone Back-fat monitored Proven longevity

Conformation: Whatever the breed, line or performance test result, intensive selection for overall conformation (feet, legs, teats and general body conformation) is a key feature of the breeding program.

Hermitage Dam line breeding programs have been formulated to allow us to produce our female lines with the genetic potential to maximize the number of commercial pigs produced and slaughtered in a commercial environment. Hyperprolific G.P. Large White and Hyperprolific G.P. Landrace is the product of our Dam line breeding program and is the progeny of G.G.P. Lines selected intensively for their reproduction and production traits.

The Hermitage breeding program incorporates the following:

• Clearly defined breeding pyramid which allows for the benefits of heterosis (hybrid vigor) to be maximized.
• Maximum emphasis on accurate on-farm testing and recording of breeding stock performance.
• Use of BLUP technology to maximize the genetic progress over a range of selected fertility traits i.e.
  • Total Number of Live Piglets born – (To maximize the sows reproductive potential.)
  • Feed Intake – (During the lactation period it is essential that sows have the potential to maximize their feed intake in order to improve their milking ability and to speed up their return to service interval.)
  • Growth Rate – (It is essential to include Growth Rate into both the Dam and Terminal lines to maximize this trait in the slaughter generation.)
  • Back Fat – (In the Dam lines, an adequate covering of back fat is essential to improve productivity and longevity.) Litter Weight at Weaning – (By selecting for litter weight at weaning we are indirectly selecting for milking ability and mothering.)
• The inclusion of back-fat in the Dam line index and its adjusted weighting ensures that the breeding females have sufficient body fat to maintain condition, maximize their reproductive potential and longevity.
• The halothane gene is completely eliminated from the Hermitage Dam lines.
• Appetite potential is a vital component of the Hermitage genotype. Its inclusion as a selection trait ensures that reproductive capabilities can be maximized.