Estimation of economic values for traits of pig breeds in different breeding systems: I. Model development

Abstract The objective of this work was to develop a bioeconomic model and a computer program to calculate marginal economic values and relative economic weights of traits in pig breeds within various breeding systems. Using this program, economic values for up to 30 production and functional traits can be estimated. The bioeconomic model includes the calculation of the stationary state of sow herds using Markov chain methodology; calculation of progeny structure; modeling growth of protein and fat tissue of all animal groups; calculation of metabolizable energy, feed and water requirements, and feeding costs for all growth phases of young animals with different feeding diets and for sows in different reproductive statuses (open, lactating, and pregnant sows); calculation of non-feed costs and revenues for all production units; calculation of the total profit per sow and year in all links (breeds and crossbreeds) of the given breeding system; and calculation of marginal economic values of traits for all breeds involved in this breeding system. The complete profit functions of the integrated production systems of all involved breeds and crossbreeds are modeled, and therefore, the program can be used for further economic and sensitivity analyses within pig production systems.