STAGES™ 

What is STAGES?

STAGES™ was initiated in 1985 as a joint venture between Purdue University, USDA, National Association of Swine Records, and National Pork Producers Council. The American Berkshire Association  utilizes  STAGES™ to facilitate genetic improvement. STAGES™ calculates the most economically significant traits and predicts the genetic value of each pig using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) technology. A team of leading swine geneticists from U.S. land grant universities oversees the system to ensure its effectiveness in making genetic improvement. STAGES™ accurately assesses the genetic merit of all participating nucleus herds of the American Berkshire Association. Through accurate data collection and reporting, a database of nearly two million performance records has been compiled for numerous economically relevant traits, and with state-of-the-art technology, EPDs and indexes are updated each evening. These predictions of genetic merit, coupled with a DNA-verified pedigree structure, help purebred 100% Berkshire breeders find ways to make hogs better and more profitable.