What: The American Berkshire Association (ABA) progeny test is designed after the Hormel NBS Progeny Test so that Berkshire breeders can continue building upon the meat quality EPD database that we have assembled over the last 24 years (1991 to 2015). The Progeny Test was originally developed as a tool for swine breeders to objectively identify genetically superior purebred sires in each breed using thorough and unbiased testing and evaluation. These include evaluations of carcass composition, growth performance, meat quality and eating quality. Currently, twelve measures of progeny performance are recorded on every pig that completes the testing period. The ABA Progeny Test remains the most extensive unbiased evaluation of progeny performance available to Berkshire breeders.
Who: Any member of the ABA is welcome to enter registered Berkshire pigs. The ABA Progeny test wouldn’t be possible without ABA members, collaborators, and sponsors!
When: The ABA Progeny Test is annually conducted. Breeders who are entered deliver their pigs to be tested in April. At the start of the test, pigs weigh on average 70 lbs and are fed until ideal market weight.
Where: The progeny test is performed by Dr. Lindy Miller with LFM Quality Laboratories, Inc. in Terre Haute, Ind.
How: The pigs are organized by breeder in pens of eight pigs sired by the same boar. Dr. Lindy Miller and associates collect various data using industry standards throughout the test.
Why: The information that comes from the progeny test can be used in a breeders’ breeding and marketing program. is data is compiled and returned to participating breeders for use within their individual breeding or marketing program. Producers can use analytics in their future genetic pairings or to explain why Berkshire pork is superior when marketing their products.
The entry deadline for this year’s test is April 1. The delivery date for the 2020 ABA Progeny Test is April 11.