At AcuFast, we focus on creating realized genetic value, built on three critical pillars: our genetic portfolio, commercial measurement system, and technology platform. Today, we’ll explore the core of our business – our genetic portfolio, specifically the AcuFast Duroc.
Our journey towards achieving realized genetic value began decades ago with the establishment of our germplasm, building the foundation of our business. Since then, we’ve been committed to continuous improvement, leading to the development of the AcuFast Duroc.
The AcuFast Duroc has its origins in the Maschhoff system. Designed for large commercial environments, these animals are resilient and capable of withstanding disease pressures and other typical industry challenges. Throughout its development, the AcuFast Duroc has undergone rigorous commercial testing to ensure that the best sires were identified based on both their genetic index and actual performance..
Key Milestones
- 2003: The Maschhoffs begin exploring the opportunity to create a portfolio of swine genetic solutions aimed at meeting the increasing needs of a pig production system.
- 2016: The Commercial Test Herd (CTH) was developed and launched as a cornerstone of the genetic improvement program to ensure the progress of the Duroc.
- 2020: The Maschhoffs introduced their brand of genetics, Acuity, to the market with a strong Duroc leading their portfolio.
- 2022: Acuity and its genetic portfolio are acquired by STgenetics, the parent company of Fast Genetics.
- 2023: AcuFast (Acuity + Fast Genetics) launches along with a strong genetic portfolio, including AcuFast Duroc: Series 1.
- 2024: AcuFast continues to invest in the improvement of the Duroc, preparing for the launch of AcuFast Duroc: Series 2.
Selection Emphasis
The AcuFast Duroc was developed with a focus on specific traits to meet the evolving needs of a commercial producer:
- Feed Conversion and Average Daily Gain
- Adaptability, Uniformity, and Disease Resistance, Survivability
- Carcass Yield, Grid Value, and Meat Quality
Today, as we have in the past, we are optimizing profit and productivity by improving growth efficiency, survival, and carcass value – but continue to accelerate gains in key traits that add more value to our customers.
Building on past efforts, we have expanded resources for the development of the AcuFast Duroc, aiming to deliver key progress with Series 2.
- Expanded Nucleus Populations: Establishing a Canadian population via C-section and a dedicated boar stud network (GeneLink).
- Comprehensive Commercial Testing: Including individual feed intake, carcass data, full pedigree (Vantage Female) and benchmarking.
- Amplified Genomic Tools: Utilizing crossbred genotypes, tailored genotype assays, and full sequence data.
- Expanded Intake: Implementing 600+ purebred boar feeders and crossbred individual intake feeders.
- Crossbred Survival Selection: Enhancing the robustness and adaptability of our terminal genetics.
Our genetic portfolio is the core pillar of our realized value, interacting with all other pillars as the foundation:
- The genetic portfolio’s continuous improvement is facilitated by the synergy between the CTH’s performance data and the technology platform’s analytical capabilities.
- Crossbred performance data from the CTH integrates data across the production pyramid for selection within the genetic portfolio, enhancing overall genetic progress.
- The technology platform enables accurate data collection and analysis, which directly informs and improves the genetic portfolio. While our reproductive tools allow us to deliver progress faster.
At AcuFast, our goal is to ensure our customers achieve their genetic potential with a competitive product prepared to face today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. We are committed to addressing the practical needs of the industry with a high-performing product like the AcuFast Duroc.
By continuously investing in our genetic portfolio, we’re not just breeding pigs – we’re breeding success for our partners. The AcuFast Duroc represents our dedication to providing genetics that deliver real, measurable value in commercial settings, helping our customers stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
