Sonja Allen, PhD candidate, recently shared her research “Growth Curve Meets Genomics: Improving Gilt Development for Lifetime Productivity” at the Hendrix Genetics R&D Team Meeting. Her presentation highlighted how gilt growth curve modeling can identify key biological signals to optimize the timing of first breeding – a crucial factor for improving P1 outcomes, sow retention, and profitability.
This work is funded by NSERC Alliance and Hendrix Genetics Swine, and is focused on gilt development and sow lifetime productivity, with the goal of improving the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian pig industry.
This July, Sonja will be attending the 2026 World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production to present an e-poster and pitch. If you are planning to attend, be sure to stop by and connect with her!
Integrating Growth Curve Analysis and Genetic Architecture:
Pathway to Improved Breeding Decisions for Sow Longevity
Sonja Allen, Jennifer Patterson, Brent DeVries, Patrick Charagu, Marco Bink,
Abe Huisman, Michael Dyck, Graham Plastow
Presentation Date and Time: Monday July 13, 2026, 2:55 PM – 2:56 PM
Presentation Room: Exhibit Hall A
Poster Pitch Presentation #: 64
ePoster Presentation #: B1-33
