ABOUT US

Novastar Genetics Inc. has been owned and operated by John and Enid Gough since 1977. The nucleus herd consists of 350 sows representing all three of the major breeds: Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc. Multiplier level herds produce true F1 York X Landrace females for maximum heterosis. The F1's are the resultant offspring of pedigreed, registered parents.

Both the nucleus herd and the multiplier level herds are certified under the Ontario Swine Herd Health Information Plan. This program monitors major swine diseases with quarterly serological testing. General herd health is monitored by a government veterinarian, Dr. Tim Blackwell, 519-846-0965. He makes at least 4 physical inspections annually. The breeding stock is raised on concrete floors under commercial conditions.

The genetic selection program is based on extensive use of semen from the Ontario Swine Improvement Incorporated AI. unit. Seventy percent of the matings in the nucleus herd are done by AI. New genetic material is periodically introduced through embryo transfer and semen from international AI. units. We are also able to provide embryos to our customers.

The herd is continually monitored for the HAL 1843 (PSS) gene. We have been free of this PSS gene since 1994. We have dropped the Hampshire breed to eliminate the Rn factor. We are committed to the Duroc breed to maintain the high meat quality and rapid growth that you demand.

All purebred animals are tested under the CCSI (Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement) program. Selection for average daily gain is done by calculating the number of days to reach 100 kilograms live weight. This calculation is also directly correlated to feed conversion. To select for increased lean yield we measure backfat thickness and loin depth which is directly correlated to carcass lean yield. These two calculations are weighted and combined to calculate an economic index. Also figured into the index is the performance of siblings. This results in a highly accurate Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) index which can be compared across all Canadian herds which participate in the CCSI system. New indices for carcass quality are ready of immediate implementation. This system is known as the BLUP system (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) which was developed in Canada by the late Dr. Brian Kennedy.

We are committed to providing the best possible animals and semen to our customers. These animals have outstanding health, world-class genetics and solid conformation, providing our customers with the ingredients they need for productive breeding animals.