[Bubbas Boys]

We are wanting to keep at least one of our new feeders to breed next year. We have 3 gilts in the bunch. We are trying to look at more important traits than we use to. What does everyone look for in a keeper? She isss the biggest on in the whole litter even compared to the boys, she has 14 teats, very long in the sides with a straight back. Thoughts? Also, I want to maybe AI her with a Hamp boar. She is Duroc/Berk, what could that give us in a piglet?

 

[highlands]

Teat count
Teat line near center and even
Conformation of hams, shoulders, legs, feet, face, ears, tail
Growth rate
Thriving on pasture
Thriving through our cold winters
Temperament
Piglets born
Piglets weaned
etc.

We have 27 traits we watch for in pigs, culling every week so that by the time they get to breeding size only the best of the best are left.

I would suggest test breeding more than one. Not all are fertile. Infertility rate is low but a bummer when it happens if that's all you have.

See:
http://sugarmtnfarm.com/2012/04/21/have-you-got-the-right-stuff-to-be-a-breeder/

Cheers,

-Walter