Administration Office (800) 343-4940
Research Office (608) 526-3302

Comparison of Genetic Lag in Breeding Systems

The economic impact of genetic lag in breeding systems can be significant. The following table shows the comparison between Babcock's Closed Herd™ System, and a typical Pyramid System.

Genetic Program Selection Rate   (of tested animals) Genetic Lag Maternal Heterosis Market Hog Heterosis Total Impact of Genetic Lag per Market Hog
Years Dollars
Nucleus Level   0 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Pyramid System 100% 3.65* $6.10 $0.74 $3.22*** $2.14
Babcock Closed Herd** (Artificial Insemination) 50% 1.33 $2.22 $0.51 $3.73 $2.02
Babcock Internal Multiplication (Artificial Insemination) 30% 0.96 $1.60 $0.51 $3.60 $2.51

* Estimated Genetic Lag

** Program Currently Recommended

*** May be as high as $3.86 if truly 100% heterosis