Comparison of Selection Index Economic Weights and Prices Paid for Performance-Tested Boars

Abstract

Records on 4,355 boars sold from 1973 to 1978 at central test stations in Ames, Ida Grove and Lisbon, Iowa, and Clarkson, Nebraska, were evaluated for the relative economic emphasis buyers place on performance traits. Performance traits included days to 104 kg, average daily gain, feed efficiency, backfat thickness and loineye area. Average sale prices were highest for Landrace ($457) and lowest for Berkshire ($340) boars. Highest prices were paid for boars sold at the Ames Station. R2 values from models used to predict sale price for the different breeds ranged from .21 to .49, indicating that variation in sale price was affected by factors other than performance, year-season or location of the test. Relative importance of performance traits varied, with buyers placing more emphasis on backfat and average daily gain than on feed efficiency. Comparison of relative economic weights used in selection indexes against the economic emphasis shown by buyers demonstrated that buyers are placing considerably less emphasis on feed efficiency relative to the other traits than the index suggests. Swine producers could make more progress in improving performance traits if they placed more emphasis on performance traits when purchasing centrally tested boars. Performance traits included days to 104 kg, average daily gain, feed efficiency, backfat thickness and loineye area. Average sale prices were highest for Landrace ($457) and lowest for Berkshire ($340) boars. Highest prices were paid for boars sold at the Ames Station. R 2 values from models used to predict sale price for the different breeds ranged from .21 to .49, indicating that variation in sale price was affected by factors other than performance, year-season or location of the test. Relative importance of performance traits varied, with buyers placing more emphasis on backfat and average daily gain than on feed efficiency. Comparison of relative economic weights used in selection indexes against the economic emphasis shown by buyers demonstrated that buyers are placing considerably less emphasis on feed efficiency relative to the other traits than the index suggests. Swine producers could make more progress in improving performance traits if they placed more emphasis on performance traits when purchasing centrally tested boars.

Purchaser Response for Genetically Different Boars and Boar Semen

“…Results covering relationships between differences in test performance and sales demand and price for test station sales indicate that buyers placed most of their emphasis when purchasing boars on days to 154 kg and backfat (Neville et al, 1976) or on average daily gain and backfat (Rothschild et al, 1981). Rothschild et al (1981) found that buyers of all breeds paid more for boars with lower backfat and higher average daily gain though breed differences existed. Producer purchasing response was not consistent with the relative economic weights used in the test station indexes.…”