Babcock's Pork Quality Innovations

1968 - Implemented backfat selection with a probe.

1974 - A program of stress testing to improve pork quality is implemented.

1975 - Babcock implements halothane testing to eliminate the known genetic cause of PSE pork, the stress gene.

1980 - Babcock implements halothane testing to eliminate the known genetic cause of PSE pork, the stress gene.

1992 - Babcock becomes the first U.S. based company licensed to use the HAL-1843 halothane gene test.

1992 - Babcock compiles research regarding the stress gene and its negative impact on pork quality. This information is distributed industry-wide, along with Babcock’s recommendation to completely eradicate the stress gene through the use of DNA testing.

1994 - Babcock completes DNA testing, which found the lowest halothane gene incidence rate of any breed tested (<.001) through the use of the HAL-1843 test.

1994 - All Babcock breeding stock is certified 100% free of the stress gene.

1994 - Babcock introduces Certified Babcock Pork™, premium fresh pork.

1995 - Ultrasonic marbling research begins.

1996 - Babcock became the first swine breeding stock company to receive an official trademark from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for our pork and pork products.

1996 - Babcock customers in Japan introduce BabPork™, a premium quality fresh pork.

1997 - Babcock implemented line-specific molecular genetic research to identify gene markers to further improve pork quality.

1999 - The Genetic Blueprint© exclusive selection index program for packers is introduced.

2001 - Babcock is the first genetics supplier to certify all boars shipped as RN-negative.