Foreword

The primary function of the National Swine Improvement Federation is to develop and implement more uniform, effective, and coordinated swine improvement programs. Its members include, but are not limited to, seedstock producers, central test stations, swine testing organizations, A.I. studs, and other seedstock production and marketing groups.

Each year the Federation holds a conference and annual meeting during which the impact and application of swine breeding technology are reviewed and updated. The publication of the proceedings of these conferences serve to advance the Federation’s objective of improving genetic evaluation programs.

The 1999 conference and annual meeting were held in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 16-17, 1999. The conference program included in-depth presentations on current swine genetics research areas and on methodology of applying state-of-the-art technology in actual breeding stock selection. The complete program included presentations by recognized authorities from universities and industry.

The program committee was chaired by Steve Moeller, Ohio State University; Russ Nugent, Tyson Foods, Inc.; Mark Brubaker, White-Shire Hamroc; John Gibson, University of Guelph; John Mabry, University of Georgia; and Max Rothschild, Iowa State University.

We hope these proceedings will be useful and informative. Additional copies of this and previous proceedings are available from the office of the Secretary-Treasurer. Copies of the Swine Genetics Handbook, containing fourteen fact sheets, can be purchased from the Secretary at $10.00 each. In addition, Guidelines For Uniform Swine Improvement Programs is available at no charge.

Elsewhere in these proceedings you will find a list of the 1999-2000 officers, directors, and acting committees of the Federation. If you wish to communicate with any of these because of a mutual concern or interest, do not hesitate to do so. Also, if I can be of any assistance please contact me. Additional information is available at the NSIF web site: www.nsif.com.

Kenneth J. Stalder

NSIF Secretary-Treasurer

605 Airways Blvd.

Jackson, TN 38301

Phone: (901) 425-4705

FAX: (901) 425-4720

E-mail: kstalder@utk.edu